Abstract: A device able to generate electrical power through relative rotational motion of first (370, 380) and second (200, 230) principal components around an axis of rotation (220); wherein: the first and second principal components comprise an arrangement of piezoelectric elements (380) and permanent magnets (230, 370) such that the interaction between these magnets and piezoelectric elements, in use, makes it possible to generate electricity; and wherein: the second principal component (200, 230) comprises a center of mass offset from the axis of relative rotation (220) such that the response of the second principal component (200, 230) to either gravitational or inertial forces is a relative rotation of the second principal component (200, 230) in relation to the first principal component (370, 380); the first principal component (370, 380) being fixedly attached to the moving host structure (100).

Abstract: An exemplary mechanically operated switching device includes at least one movable contact and an operating mechanism for coupling/separating the movable contact to/from a corresponding fixed contact. The operating mechanism includes first elastic mechanism for, upon release, providing the energy to separate the movable and fixed contacts. At least one shunt release having: a member movable between first and second stable positions, wherein movement from the first stable position to the second stable position releases the first elastic mechanism; at least a permanent magnet generating a force for holding the movable member in the first stable position, wherein the movable member held in the first stable position compresses a second elastic mechanism; and at least one electrical winding associated with the movable member and the electronic mechanism, which is configured to electrically drive the winding to generate a magnetic force that releases of the compressed second elastic mechanism.

Abstract: An ignition system for a rocket engine utilizes the pressure energy in a propellant flow. The propellant flow generates an oscillating pressure force in a resonance system which is then transmitted to a piezoelectric system. The electrical pulses are utilized to generate a spark in an igniter system spark gap, resulting in ignition. Since the spark energy production is driven by the resonance of the propellant flow, a fully passive auto-ignition system is provided. Once ignition occurs, the resultant backpressure in the combustion chamber “detunes” the resonance phenomena and spark production stops. Furthermore, should the engine flame out, spark production would automatically resume as the propellant valves remain open thereby providing relight capability.

Abstract: An ignition system employing a piezoelectric transformer having a drive side and an output side. The ignition system further includes circuit elements in electronic communication with the output side that tune output impedance in series with a breakdown gap to optimize power flow from the transformer to the breakdown gap after breakdown and a timing control circuit in electronic communication with the drive side that meters post-breakdown energy delivered to the breakdown gap by timing the duration of post-breakdown power flow.

Abstract: An improved spark ignition system. Pressure on a piezoelectric element results in a voltage that, when discharged across a spark gap, causes dielectric breakdown in a fuel air mixture. Additional current to power combustion is supplied by a capacitor circuit. The ignition system increases the combustion rate and decreases emissions of NOx.

Abstract: An ignition system employing a piezoelectric transformer having a drive side and an output side. The ignition system further includes circuit elements in electronic communication with the output side that tune output impedance in series with a breakdown gap to optimize power flow from the transformer to the breakdown gap after breakdown and a timing control circuit in electronic communication with the drive side that meters post-breakdown energy delivered to the breakdown gap by timing the duration of post-breakdown power flow.

Abstract: A spark plug comprising a piezoelectric element that strains with the increase in pressure in the cylinder of an internal combustion engine, and methods of making and using such a spark plug. The strain on the element generates a voltage across the poles of the piezoelectric element that varies with the cylinder pressure. This voltage can be monitored to determine the pressure in the cylinder. The voltage will increase until it is sufficient to create a spark between two poles that will be used to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinder. The voltage may be further increased by using the increasing cylinder pressure to accelerate a striker mass to impact the piezoelectric element. After ignition, the piezoelectric element strains further because of the rapid increase in pressure due to the combustion process. Sensing the voltage output after combustion can provide information about the engine cycle and indicate any anomalies such as pre-ignition, misfire, or knock.

Abstract: A booster is constructed with a piezoelectric transducer including a combination of a primary side piezoelectric element and a secondary side piezoelectric element wherein input electrodes and an output electrode are provided in the thickness direction and length direction, respectively. The booster is contained in a plug cap. The plug cap covers one end of a spark plug. Using this arrangement, a primary voltage having a natural resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element or a waveform identical to a component waveform thereof is applied from a primary voltage generator to the input electrodes. At this time, the booster directly imparts a secondary high voltage from the output electrode to the spark plug by the piezoelectric effect, to generate a spark discharge in a discharge gap of the spark plug. This ignition system can be made smaller in size and weight at a low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: An ignition apparatus for providing energy to a spark plug (601) is described including electromagnetic means (121, 103, 133, 119) having a north pole (137) and an opposing south pole (139). A piezoelectric crystal (129) is located between the north pole (137) and the opposing south pole (139). The electromagnetic means (121, 103, 133, 119) compresses the piezoelectric crystal (129), thereby causing an ignition energy to be provided from the piezoelectric crystal (129) for igniting the spark plug (601).

Abstract: A cardiac ablation apparatus including a solenoidal antenna, monitoring electrodes, and a coupling network at a distal end of a catheter transmission line, and another coupling network at the proximal end of the catheter transmission line to connect the catheter to the source of radiofrequency (RF) power and to an intracardiac electrogram monitor. Solenoidal antenna design includes single and multiple windings with varying geometrical features. Plated plastic tri-axial design of a transmission line offers unitary fabrication. A catheter with variable impedance electrode and gap coatings has features useful for both ablation and for hyperthermia applications.

Abstract: An ignition device for starting an internal combustion engine surely, having a starting member arranged on a rotor of a manual starter or a self-starter motor, the starting member being engaged with an actuating member of a piezoelectric element, an output terminal of which is electrically connected to a magneto ignition system.

Abstract: A color apparatus includes an electroexpansive actuator, a unit for supplying a charge to the electroexpansive actuator, and a unit for controlling an amount of charge discharged from the electroexpansive actuator, and a stroke of the electroexpansive actuator is controlled in accordance with the amount of charge discharged therefrom. When such an electroexpansive actuator is applied to a control apparatus for a fuel injection valve, a fuel injection amount per ON/OFF operation of the fuel injection valve or a fuel injection rate can be freely controlled.

Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal spark plug includes a body similar to a conventional spark plug, a central electrode extending from the bottom end of the body, and a ground electrode disposed near but spaced from one end of the central electrode and connected to the body. A piezoelectric crystal is included within the body and one side of the crystal is electrically coupled to the other end of the central electrode. A deforming device is also included within the body to deform the crystal and cause it to produce and apply an electrical signal to the central electrode. This electrical signal produces a spark between the central and ground electrode similar to a conventional spark plug.

Abstract: An ignition distributor is disclosed which comprises an input terminal, output terminals, a rotor adapted to rotate with rotation of an engine and provided at its one end with a magnet, a first electrode facing the rotor and coupled to the input terminal, a piezo-conductive plate placed on the surface of the first electrode opposite to the rotor, second electrodes formed of magnetic material and connected to the output terminals, respectively, and the second electrodes circumferentially arranged on the piezo-conductive plate. When the rotor rotates to bring the magnet below one of the second electrodes, the one second electrode is attracted to exert a pressure on the piezo-conductive plate so as to render it conductive thereby establishing an electrical connection between the input terminal and the output terminal connected to the one second electrode.

Abstract: An automatic impact delivering device or tool of the internal combustion type having a self-contained fuel supply, wherein:1. valving is an integral function of the piston;2. a pre-compression chamber and a combustion chamber are provided in the same structure;3. there is only one major moving part;4. a spark plug is fired by an ignition means, the ignition means being movable to enable the operator to change the power output of the device by changing the compression ratio of the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber;5. a fuel metering system is an integral part of the piston and cylinder, thus not requiring any additional moving parts; and6. the device is loaded by a single spring disposed wholly internally thereof.