Abstract: A process of forming a direct NOx catalyst includes the steps of providing a palladium salt, providing a silicon oxide support material, mixing the palladium salt and silicon oxide support material in an aqueous solution, evaporating the aqueous solution forming a solid, calcining the solid, and then exposing the calcined solid to a pretreatment gas at a specified temperature to form a desired direct NOx catalyst. When the process includes exposing the calcined solid to helium gas at a temperature of from 650 to 1000° C. the catalyst may include a mixture of palladium and palladium oxide having a particle size of from 5 to 150 nm where the palladium particles are discrete particles without sintering and the mixture may include 41% by weight palladium oxide and 51% by weight palladium metal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst material comprising a support, a first metal and a second metal on said support. The first and second metals are in the form of a chemical compound. The first metal is Fe, Co or Ni, and the second metal is selected from the group consisting of Sn, Zn and In. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) from methane (CH4) and ammonia (NH3), wherein the methane and ammonia are contacted with a catalyst according to the invention.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process and catalysts for the conversion of a light hydrocarbon and carbon dioxide input stream into high quality syngas with the subsequent conversion of the syngas into fuels or chemicals. In one aspect, the present invention provides an efficient, solid solution catalyst for the production of a carbon containing gas from carbon dioxide and light hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises a single transition metal, and the transition metal is nickel.

Abstract: Synthesize a nickel oxide-based oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst via a solvent-free process that comprises sequential steps a. mixing without added solvent a combination of a solid nickel precursor, a solid oxalate or oxalic acid and, optionally, a doping amount of a metal precursor for a period of time sufficient to convert the combination to a visually homogenous mixture; and b. calcining the visually homogeneous mixture at a temperature within a range of from greater than 250° C. to less than 800° C. for a time within a range of from 30 minutes to 360 minutes in an oxygen-containing atmosphere, preferably air, to form a calcined oxidative dehydrogenation catalyst. As a modification of the process, add an intermediate step between steps a. and b. to dry the homo geneous mixture at a temperature within a range of from 50° C. to 90° C. for a period of time within a range of from 10 minutes to 600 minutes to form a dried mixture. The resulting catalyst may be used in oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure and comprising boron and titanium, the process comprising (i) providing an aqueous synthesis mixture comprising a silica source, a boron source, a titanium source, and an MWW templating agent; (ii) heating the aqueous synthesis mixture to a temperature in the range of from 160 to 190° C.; (iii) subjecting the synthesis mixture (ii) to hydrothermal synthesis conditions, obtaining, in its mother liquor, a precursor of the zeolitic material; (iv) separating the precursor from its mother liquor; (v) calcining the separated precursor, obtaining the zeolitic material having an MWW framework structure and comprising boron and titanium.

Abstract: The invention describes phospho-amino pincer-type ligands, metal complexes thereof, and catalytic methods comprising such metal complexes for conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol, conversion of aldehydes into alcohols, conversion of aldehydes in the presence of a trifluoromethylation agent into trifluorinated secondary alcohols, cycloaddition of carbon dioxide to an epoxide to provide cyclic carbonates or preparation of an amide from the combination of an alcohol and an amine.

Abstract: The manufacturing method of the honeycomb structure includes a raw material preparing step of adding the powder of porous silica as the inorganic pore former to a forming raw material and kneading the forming raw material to prepare the kneaded forming raw material, an extruding step of extruding the obtained forming raw material to form a honeycomb formed body, and a firing step of firing the extruded honeycomb formed body to form a honeycomb structure containing a cordierite component, and an amount of oil to be absorbed by the porous silica to be added to the forming raw material is in a range of 50 to 190 ml/100 g, and a BET specific surface area of the porous silica is in a range of 340 to 690 m2/g.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing a defined volume of a liquid from a closed container includes a housing and a spring loaded piston disposed therein. The housing has a holding chamber that includes chamber snap fit elements on the chamber wall, piston stop(s), and a bottom having a central opening with a tubular member extending therefrom. The spring loaded piston includes a push cap including snap fit arms extending from underside of a top pusher and a spring around a piston rod under the top pusher. The device is so configured that engagement modes between arm snap fit elements of the push cap and chamber snap fit elements of the holding chamber control a venting position and an injection starting position of the spring loaded piston, and abutment of the push cap with the piston stop(s) in the holding chamber controls an injection ending position of the spring loaded piston.

Abstract: A mechanism that provides an improved method of loading and unloading a row of disposable pipette tips onto a handheld multichannel pipettor. A single button fur tip load and unload operations is simpler than the current method of using a separate mechanism for ejecting the tips. The tips are configured in a rigid collar which is held by a clamp on the pipettor. An upward force combined with a sealing gasket that mates with the top of the pipette tips is used to provide the seal between the tips and the pipettor. This eliminates the requirement to “press downward” with excessive force in order to force the pipette tips onto a protruding sealing part. The loading and unloading of tips will be more reliable and repeatable, this providing better pipetting results. The low forces of the loading and unloading operations reduce the chance of repetitive stress injury for the operator.

Abstract: Biological sample collection kits are devised with physical features to enable a high performance collection system which delivers preprocessed biological matter via conventional shipping means to a testing laboratories. In particular, untrained and unskilled users deposit biological matter such as saliva or blood into a receiving vessel. By sealing the container, the user causes release of a premixed solution containing preservatives and optionally lysis reagents. In addition, a purification agent is arranged to bind to target molecules and facilitate their removal from solution. These time consuming processes occur while the sample is in transit to the testing facility such that when it arrives, it is in a preconditioned state immediately ready for execution of washing steps.

Abstract: Provided is a test device for testing an analyte in a collected sample comprising: an enclosure having at least one sample receiving port for receiving the sample; a test strip located within the enclosure, the test strip containing at least one reagent for detecting the analyte and for providing an indication showing a test result for the sample, the enclosure including a detection arrangement for allowing detection of the indication of the test strip; a sample receiving matrix positioned behind the at least one sample receiving port and having a defined saturation capacity, the sample receiving matrix being impregnated with reagents for pre-treatment of the sample and being in liquid conductive communication with the test strip.

Abstract: A diagnostic device 10 for screening for a target analyte in a sample is provided. The diagnostic device 10 comprises a substrate 12 and a hydrophobic material 20 disposed on the substrate. The hydrophobic material 20 is selected to be converted from the hydrophobic material 20 to a hydrophilic material 22 upon contact with a conversion component within or derived from a sample introduced to the device 10.

Abstract: A microfluidic device and method is provided for concentrating particles in a fluid sample. The microfluidic device has a chamber, wherein the chamber has a filtering unit defining a first compartment and a second compartment, the first compartment being in fluid communication with the second compartment and being for receiving a fluid sample containing particles, the filtering unit being configured to selectively retain particles of the fluid sample based on a size of the particles, at a sub-region of the first compartment as the fluid sample flows from the first compartment to the second compartment; and an acoustic transducer configured to generate acoustic waves in the sub-region to disperse the particles.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for testing a liquid specimen, which apparatus (2) comprises: (i) a container (4) for the liquid specimen; (ii) a lid (6) for closing the container (4) after the liquid specimen has been provided in the container (4); (iii) first securing means (8) by which the lid (6) is secured to the container (4); (iv) a test capsule (10) for securing to the lid (6) when the lid (6) is on the container (4); (v) second securing means (12) by which the test capsule (10) is secured to the lid (6); and (vi) a response chart (14) which is operable in response to contact with the liquid specimen, and the apparatus (2) being such that: (vii) the lid has an openable portion (18) which when opened permits a liquid specimen in the container (4) to enter the test capsule (10); (viii) the test capsule (10) has opener means (20) for opening the openable portion on the lid (6) when the test capsule (10) is secured to the lid (6); and (ix) the response chart (14) is inside the test capsule (10) and is contacted by the liqu

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are described for fabricating and using an ANSI-SLAS compatible environmental control reservoir apparatus having one or more thermally conductive and/or magnetic aspects. In one embodiment, the apparatus may comprise a well plate containing a plurality of wells enabled to hold liquid, wherein the well plate is configured to geometrically mate with an adapter. The surface area of each well may be controlled by the addition of fins extending inwardly towards the axial center of each well volume. In some embodiments, the adapter provides a plurality of magnetized rods to which a magnetic field may be applied to enable thermal control of the well plate and associated liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic device (2) comprising a support part (21) and a cover part (22) defining together a microchannel (5), said microchannel (5) having a surface, said surface comprising:—a first area (9) which is grafted with a first ligand, and—at least a second area (10) which is distinct from the first area (9) and which is grafted with a second ligand which is different from the first ligand, wherein each ligand is capable of binding to a target, the targets being different from each other. The present invention further relates to a microfluidic detection system comprising the said microfiuidic device, a reservoir adapted for containing a sample to be analysed and a detection device for detecting and quantifying the targets. The present invention relates also to a method for manufacturing such a microfluidic device, as well as a method for analysing a sample containing targets using the said microfluidic device or microfluidic detection system.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to microfluidic devices and particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, methods, systems, and kits for imparting stresses on a fluid flowing through a microfluidic device that is designed to mimic a stress profile of a macrofluidic device or pathology.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an apparatus and a method for quickly, efficiently and continuously fractionating biomolecules, such as DNAs and proteins based on size and other factors, while allowing imaging of the separated biomolecules as they are processed within the apparatus. The apparatus employs angled nanochannels to first preconcentrate and then separate like molecules. Its embodiments offer improved detection sensitivity and separation resolution over existing technologies and multiplexing capabilities.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the manipulation of fluids using acoustic waves such as surface acoustic waves. In some aspects, one fluid may be introduced into another fluid via application of suitable acoustic waves. For example, a fluid may be added or injected into another fluid by applying acoustic waves where, in the absence of the acoustic waves, the fluid cannot be added or injected, e.g., due to the interface or surface tension between the fluids. Thus, for example, a fluid may be injected into a droplet of another fluid. Other embodiments of the invention are generally directed to systems and methods for making or using such systems, kits involving such systems, or the like.

Abstract: A detection apparatus having a read head including a plurality of microfluorometers positioned to simultaneously acquire a plurality of the wide-field images in a common plane; and (b) a translation stage configured to move the read head along a substrate that is in the common plane. The substrate can be a flow cell that is included in a cartridge, the cartridge also including a housing for (i) a sample reservoir; (ii) a fluidic line between the sample reservoir and the flow cell; (iii) several reagent reservoirs in fluid communication with the flow cell, (iv) at least one valve configured to mediate fluid communication between the reservoirs and the flow cell; and (v) at least one pressure source configured to move liquids from the reservoirs to the flow cell. The detection apparatus and cartridge can be used together or independent of each other.

Abstract: Point-of-care biomarker assay apparatus arranged for measuring a presence or concentration of a biomarker in a sample, said biomarker assay apparatus comprising cartridge receiving means arranged for receiving at least one cartridge having multiple chambers designed for receiving a plurality of liquid media comprising said sample, labelled binding reagent, magnetic beads reagent and wash buffer, a sample distribution unit arranged for processing pipetting steps with said chambers, thereby providing a liquid reactant mixture in one or more of said chambers, a magnetic coil assembly arranged for applying a magnetic field to said liquid reactant mixture for separating biomarkers bound to said magnetic beads and said labelled binding reagent, from said reactant mixture, a photo detector or assembly arranged for measuring said presence or concentration of said labelled binding reagent, a control unit arranged for controlling said processing pipetting steps with said chambers, and for controlling said sample distri

Abstract: A thermal cycle device includes a mounting section capable of mounting a reaction vessel having a flow path that forms a circular ring or a part of a circular ring in which a reaction solution moves; a first heating section capable of heating a first region of the reaction vessel to a first temperature; and a drive mechanism that switches the reaction vessel between a first disposition and a second disposition. The first disposition is a disposition in which the first region is the lowermost portion of the reaction vessel in a direction in which gravity acts. The second disposition is a disposition in which a second region different from the first region of the reaction vessel is the lowermost portion of the reaction vessel in the direction in which gravity acts.

Abstract: The present invention generally pertains to a system which utilizes floating thermal contact to enable PCR, in a thermal management device. Comprised of multiple thermal zones attached to a framework, each zone an individually actuated, isolated sub-assembly. The actuation of each zone ensures physical contact with an uneven, yet flat microfluidic chip to achieve effective, conductive heat transfer. The isolation of each zone serves to insulate the thermal zones from each other and minimize undesired heat transfer between adjacent zones, so that each zone is at a proper, uniform temperature.

Abstract: A roller press arrangement, a connection device for movably attaching certain parts to the roller press and a method for more easily performing maintenance on such parts is disclosed. The roller press comprises a frame assembly and a force generation device. The force generation device configured to move so that it is removable when top members of the frame assembly are connected to the side members of the frame assembly and fixed in a closed horizontal position. The connection device for attaching a force generation device to the frame assembly comprises a mounting plate and a hinge. The hinge is rotatable so that the force generation device is removable when top members of the frame assembly are connected to side members of the frame assembly and the top members of the frame assembly are fixed in a closed horizontal position.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying data storage devices comprises a shredder assembly, a hammer mill assembly, a chute mounted in an open communication with an interior of the shredder assembly and with an interior of the hammer mill assembly, the chute sized and shaped to transfer shredded remnants from the shredder assembly into the hammer mill assembly, a power drive assembly coupled to each of the shredder assembly and the hammer mill assembly, and a control assembly configured to operate the shredder assembly and the hammer mill assembly.

Abstract: A method of reducing contamination in a silicon product includes: moving silicon pieces along a conveyance system, wherein the conveyance system comprises a liner having a polished surface finish with a surface roughness of less than or equal to 12 microinches; and moving the silicon pieces across the conveyance system, wherein the silicon pieces contain a reduced number of impurities as compared to silicon pieces in contact with a liner having an unpolished surface. A crushing tool includes: crushing tool elements configured to crush silicon into fragments, wherein the crushing tool elements comprise a surface comprising a polished surface finish with a surface roughness of less than or equal to 12 microinches. A conveyance system includes: a first conveyer discharged onto a second conveyer; wherein the first conveyer comprises a first liner and wherein the second conveyer comprises a second liner.

Abstract: A deflector ring includes a generally annular body, and a plurality of static straightening vanes arranged interior to the body, the vanes dividing the body into a plurality of substantially equal sections. The vanes are configured to straighten a swirling flow of solid particles as they enter the annular body, and to divide the swirling flow into a plurality of straightened flows that are communicated to a turret positionable above the deflector ring.

Abstract: A turret includes a generally frusto-conical shaped body and a plurality of static straightening vanes arranged interior to the body, the vanes dividing the body into a plurality of substantially equal sections. The vanes are configured to straighten a swirling flow of solid particles as they enter the body, and to divide the swirling flow into a plurality of straightened flows that are communicated to a plurality of coal outlet pipes.

Abstract: A turret includes a generally frusto-conical shaped body and a plurality of static vanes arranged interior to the body and extending inwardly from an interior sidewall of the body. The vanes are configured to guide a swirling flow of solid particles as they enter the body, and to divide the swirling flow into a plurality of controlled flows that are communicated to a plurality of coal outlet pipes.

Abstract: Black powder flowing with hydrocarbons in a hydrocarbon pipeline is converted into a magnetorheological slurry by implementing wet scrubbing in the hydrocarbon pipeline. A flow of the magnetorheological slurry through the hydrocarbon pipeline is controlled.

Abstract: The invention is characterised in the steps of a) performing a first separation of the mixture in a first centrifugal separator, resulting in a first heavy fraction comprised of the heavy phase with only small amounts of impurities in the form of the light phase and a first light fraction comprising of the light phase with impurities in form of the heavy phase; and b) performing a second separation of the first light fraction in a second hermetic centrifugal separator of purificator type, resulting in a second heavy fraction comprised of the heavy phase with impurities in the form of the light phase and a second light fraction comprised of the light phase with only small amounts of impurities in the form of the heavy phase. The invention also relates to a device.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a photoluminescent activator apparatus, a photoluminescent composition, a method of making, and a method of using the activator and composition, and more particularly to a system and method to illuminate objects and/or materials. Accordingly, the invention is directed to photoluminescent activator, photoluminescent composition, method of making and using the same that substantially obviates one or more of the problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

Abstract: A pump for a receptacle (10), in particular a bottle intended to contain a cosmetic product. The pump (1) has a pumping chamber (8) with a variable volume defined at least partly by a deformable membrane (3). The pump (1) functioning by varying the volume of the chamber (8) by elastic deformation of the membrane (3) between an initial state in which the chamber (8) has a maximum volume and a deformed state in which the volume of the chamber (8) is minimum. The chamber (8) being provided with an inlet orifice (22) and an outlet orifice for the product. The pump (1) has a means for deforming the membrane configured to exert a pressure on the membrane (3) and a guide rod (20) passing through the membrane (3). The membrane (3) slides along the rod (20) when it undergoes said deformation.

Abstract: A dispensing system (5) is suitable for being fastened on a bottle (1). The system has parts facing one another having surfaces facing one another and has a material allowing at least part of at least one of the surfaces facing one another to have an adhesive effect for attaching the facing parts. A bottle (1) utilizes the dispensing system (5).

Abstract: Methods for applying fluid materials to a substrate, such as circuit board, while continuously moving the fluid dispenser are disclosed. Initially, a dispenser is continuously moved through a constant motion trajectory connecting the plurality of dispense locations on the substrate. The electrical output signals generated by one or more of encoders of the dispenser are monitored as the dispenser is continuously moved through the constant motion trajectory. The dispenser is triggered at each of the plurality of dispense locations and droplets of the fluid material are jetted while continuously moving the dispenser. The spatial coordinates of each droplet of the fluid material on the substrate are measured and compared to expected landing coordinates for each droplet of the fluid material to generate a spatial error for each droplet of the fluid material. At least one dispense location is corrected and an updated constant motion trajectory is generated.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a fragrance. The system may include body having a plurality of chambers defined therein. Each chamber may include a fragrance accord. A circuit and a plurality of emitters may be positioned within the body. The emitters may be connected to and controlled by the circuit, and each of the emitters may be positioned adjacent to a corresponding one of the chambers and control ejection of the fragrance accord therein.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for treating surfaces, in particular for colouring moulded parts, said device comprising a container for receiving moulded parts and a first cover. The container can be closed, preferably, by using the first cover. A system is also provided for introducing liquid and/or powdery surface treatment agents into an inner chamber of the closed container. The system comprises a capsule in which the surface treatment agents which are to be introduced are accommodated.

Abstract: A method for treating a piece of wood impregnates the piece of wood with a water repellent, wherein the water repellent is solid at ambient temperatures. The method includes the steps of providing a piece of wood to be treated; heating the piece of wood for a predetermined period of time, the piece of wood being heated at a temperature A; subsequently immersing at least a portion of the piece of wood in a bath of liquefied water repellent, the bath being at a temperature B, for a predetermined period of time. Thereafter the piece of wood is removed from the bath and allowed to cool. The temperature A is above 100° C. and the temperature B is below 100° C. but above a liquefying point for the water repellent, and a differential between temperatures A and B is at least 60° C.

Abstract: A nozzle (100) for applying a bead (103) of a glutinous substance (101) to a surface (102) of an object (104) comprises a body (110), a first guide (116), a gate (130), a second guide (132), and a biasing member (150). The body (110) comprises an inlet opening (112) and an outlet opening (114), joined by a channel (115). The first guide (116) is coupled to the body (110). The gate (130) is translatably coupled to the body (110). Movement of the gate (130) relative to the body (110) controls flow of the glutinous substance (101) through the outlet opening (114), and width of the bead (103). The second guide (132) is coupled to the gate (130). The biasing member (150) is coupled to the body (110) and to the gate (130). The biasing member (150) urges the gate (130) toward the first guide (116).

Abstract: A method for applying a wax formulation to a vehicle. A water hose is connected at one end to a water source and at the other end it is connected to a siphon-sprayer having a wax formulation in its container. The wax formulation includes water and wax emulsions. The water is turned on and flows from the water source through the water hose and then through the siphon-sprayer. The wax formulation is siphoned up from the siphon-sprayer to form a wax formulation and water mixture that is then sprayed onto the vehicle. After application of the wax formulation and water mixture, no further step of buffing or wiping is required. In a preferred embodiment, the wax emulsion is a cationically charged wax emulsion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of manufacturing an adhesive tape (32), comprising: printing a print pattern (14) including at least one printed datum (15) onto a web; applying onto the web a plurality of transversely spaced adhesive stripes (16) using an adhesive stripe applicator; and controlling adhesive stripe application such that the adhesive stripes (16) are applied in register with the print pattern (14) by monitoring the transverse position of at least a part of at least one printed datum (15) and adjusting the relative transverse position between the adhesive stripe applicator and the web in response thereto.

Abstract: An imprinting apparatus can form a pattern of an imprint material supplied to a substrate with a mold. The imprinting apparatus includes a substrate holding unit configured to hold the substrate, a mold holding unit configured to hold the mold, and a control unit configured to control the mold holding unit that changes an inclination of the mold while the mold is kept in contact with the imprint material based on a position in a surface direction of the substrate where the mold contacts the imprint material, in such a way as to reduce a relative inclination between the mold and the substrate that may occur if the substrate holding unit inclines when the mold is brought into contact with the imprint material.

Abstract: An imprint apparatus for forming a pattern of an imprint material on a mold and a substrate includes a substrate holding unit configured to hold the substrate, and a charging unit configured to charge at least one of a surface of the substrate holding unit on a side facing the mold or a particle existing in the vicinity of the surface to the same polarity as the charge polarity of the mold.

Abstract: An UV (ultraviolet), IR (infrared) and NIR (near infrared) protection system and method for surfaces or substrates that experience degradation from solar radiation, UV/IR/NIR exposure. The method for protecting a substrate from UV degradation includes treating a surface of the substrate to allow a UV blocking agent to adhere to the surface of the substrate, applying the UV blocking agent to the surface of the substrate, and allowing the surface of the substrate to harden, thereby adhering the UV blocking agent to the surface of the substrate. The UV/IR/NIR protection system is tunable so that specific ranges of the UV spectrum may be blocked to reduce or eliminate UV degradation. The UV protection system may be in the form of a dispersion, suspension, emulsion, or in other liquid application form; in a solid particle form; or a pre-mold/precast transfer medium when applied to or it becomes the given substrate.

Abstract: A method of curing a curable composition includes: providing the curable composition; providing a substrate having a primer disposed on at least a portion thereof, wherein the primer comprises at least one immobilized polyvalent metal compound for free-radically curing the curable composition; and contacting the curable composition with the primer, thereby causing at least partial curing of the curable composition. The curable composition includes at least one free-radically polymerizable compound and a beta-dicarbonyl compound. The method can be used for adhesive bonding of substrates and preparation of various articles.

Abstract: In some examples, a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) apparatus includes one or more CMUTs formed on a CMUT substrate to have an operational direction facing away from the CMUT substrate. A first layer of a first material is disposed over the one or more CMUTs for passing acoustic energy to or from the one or more CMUTs in the operational direction. The first layer may be a solid, liquid, gel, or colloid. Further, a second layer of a second material may be disposed over the first layer and may be a different material from the first material. In some cases, the second layer may be a solid with an inner surface having a curvature facing the first layer. Additionally, or alternatively, in some cases, the acoustic impedance of the first material and the second material may be between 1 and 2 MRayl.

Abstract: An apparatus may include one or more segmented piezoelectric micromechanical ultrasonic transducer (PMUT) elements. Each segmented PMUT element may include a substrate, an anchor structure disposed on the substrate and a membrane disposed proximate the anchor structure. The membrane may include a piezoelectric layer stack and a mechanical layer. The anchor structure may include boundary portions that divide the segmented PMUT element into segments. Each segment may have a corresponding segment cavity. The boundary portions may correspond to nodal lines of the entire membrane. The membrane may include a membrane segment disposed proximate each segment cavity. The membrane may be configured to undergo one or both of flexural motion and vibration when the segmented PMUT element receives or transmits signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flexible ultrasonic transducer in which a single layer serves dual function as both a matching layer and a flexible circuit for making electrical connections, and there is no separate matching layer. Also disclosed is a method of assembling the flexible transducer.

Abstract: A vibration motor includes a base portion arranged to extend perpendicularly to a central axis extending in a vertical direction; a cover portion arranged above the base portion, and fixed to an outer edge portion of the base portion; a lower bearing portion fixed to the base portion; an upper bearing portion fixed to the cover portion; a shaft arranged to extend along the central axis, and having a lower end portion and an upper end portion rotatably supported by the lower bearing portion and the upper bearing portion, respectively; a rotor holder attached to the shaft; a magnet portion including a plurality of magnetic poles, and attached to the rotor holder; an eccentric weight attached to the rotor holder; a circuit board arranged above the base portion; and a coil portion attached onto the circuit board, and arranged vertically opposite to the magnet portion with a space therebetween.

Abstract: A base portion of a vibration motor includes a first plate including a first plate recessed portion in an upper surface thereof; and a second plate arranged in the first plate recessed portion, and fixed to the first plate. One of the first and second plates is made of a magnetic metal, while another one is made of a nonmagnetic metal. An upper surface of the second plate is arranged at the same level as that of a portion of the upper surface of the first plate which lies adjacent to and along the first plate recessed portion. The second plate includes an annular second plate support portion centered on a central axis; and a plurality of second plate projecting portions arranged to project radially inward or radially outward from the second plate support portion, and arranged in a circumferential direction at a position vertically opposed to a magnet portion.