Abstract: A method for continuously cleaning a moving strip in a cleaning installation including a tank containing an aqueous solution, at least a roll immerged in the aqueous solution for guiding the strip into the tank, at least an ultrasound emitter a feed for feeding an aqueous solution inside the tank, a tank emptier for emptying the tank, an aqueous solution estimator for estimating the aqueous solution level in the tank, a distance calculator for calculating, for each ultrasound emitter, its distance to the aqueous solution level and a power controller for controlling the power of the at least one ultrasound emitter including the following steps, performed continuously: —estimating the aqueous solution level in the tank, —calculating for each ultrasound emitter its distance to the aqueous solution level, —comparing for each ultrasound emitter its distance to the aqueous solution level to a determined threshold.

Abstract: A vibration unit includes a light transmitting member including at least a portion of a detection region of an imaging element, and a vibration element including a vibrating body coupled to the light transmitting member. The light transmitting member includes a central region and a peripheral region located around the central region. The light transmitting member includes a hydrophilic film in the peripheral region thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of, and an apparatus for rinsing materialographic samples. The apparatus includes a sample holder configured to receive materialographic samples, a rotation head configured to rotate the sample holder and a vessel configured to receive the sample holder and a rinsing liquid. The apparatus also includes means for filling and emptying the vessel with rinsing liquid, means for applying ultrasound to the rinsing liquid and a control means. The control means is configured to control at least one of filling of the vessel with a rinsing liquid by injecting rinsing liquid through an inlet provided in the vessel to submerge the materialographic samples in the rinsing liquid, subjecting the rinsing liquid and the materialographic samples to ultrasound, or rotating the sample holder including the materialographic samples relative to the vessel.

Abstract: A vibration apparatus includes a vibrating body that has a tubular shape and includes first and second opening end portions, an outside surface, and an inside surface, a light transmissive body connected to the second opening end portion of the vibrating body, and a piezoelectric vibrator provided in the vibrating body. The vibrating body includes a flange portion extending from the outside surface of the vibrating body toward an outside. The vibration apparatus further includes a driving circuit that vibrates a connection body of the light transmissive body and the vibrating body in a vibration mode of light transmissive body vibration or a vibration mode of flange portion vibration and that alternately switches between the vibration mode of the light transmissive body vibration and the vibration mode of the flange portion vibration.

Abstract: A system to localize debris on an optical surface of a vehicle includes a first array along a first side of a perimeter of the optical surface and including a light source to emit light into a thickness of the optical surface. A second array is along a second side of the perimeter, opposite the first side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter in the thickness and provide a corresponding output. A third array is along a third side of the perimeter and includes a light source to emit light. A fourth array is along a fourth side of the perimeter, opposite the third side, and includes a light detector to detect light scatter and provide a corresponding output. A controller identifies a presence of the debris, determines a position of the debris based on the output from the light detectors, and remediates the debris.

Abstract: Provided is a self-cleaning substrate system. The system includes a substrate and a cleaner coupled to the substrate, wherein the cleaner includes at least one of an electrode, an ultrasound emitter, or a coronal wind generator. The system includes a circuit configured to determine a characteristic of the substrate. The system further includes a power source. The system includes a controller operatively coupled to the cleaner, the sensor, and the power source. The circuit provides a feedback signal indicative of the detected characteristic to the controller, and wherein the controller is coupled to the cleaner such that the cleaner can be controlled by the controller.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for processing substrates using acoustic energy. In one aspect, the invention can be a system for processing flat articles including a support for supporting the flat article and an acoustic energy treatment apparatus. The acoustic energy treatment apparatus may include a support arm and a plurality of transducer assemblies coupled thereto. The transducer assemblies may include a housing with a transducer coupled thereto, and the housings of the transducer assemblies may be arranged in an end-to-end manner. A trough may also be included that extends along at least a portion of a length of the transducer assemblies. The trough may serve as a reservoir that upon being filled and overflowed with a liquid allows the liquid to fluidly couple the transducer assemblies to the flat article.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic contains a main component, Mn as a first auxiliary component, and a second auxiliary component containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of Cu, B, and Si. The main component contains a perovskite metal oxide having the following general formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3(0.100?x?0.145,0.010?y?0.039)??(1) The amount b (mol) of Mn per mole of the metal oxide is in the range of 0.0048?b?0.0400, the second auxiliary component content on a metal basis is 0.001 parts by weight or more and 4.000 parts by weight or less per 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide, and the value a of the general formula (1) is in the range of 0.9925+b?a?1.0025+b.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for pre-cleaning parts made of plastic as part of a recycling process, wherein foreign bodies to be removed adhere to the parts, in particular for removing foreign bodies on parts made of plastic, preferably for removing labels, dirt, etc. on used plastic bottles, said method being characterized in that the foreign bodies are removed from the parts by mechanically loading the parts. A device for applying the method is characterized by a housing having a chamber for accommodating the parts, means for mechanically acting upon the parts and means for separating the foreign bodies released from the parts and for discharging the foreign bodies and parts onto separate paths being provided in the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lead-free piezoelectric material having a high piezoelectric constant and a high mechanical quality factor in a wide operating temperature range. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by Formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 (1.00?a?1.01, 0.125?x<0.155, and 0.041?y?0.074) as a main component. The metal oxide contains Mn in a content of 0.12 parts by weight or more and 0.40 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-free piezoelectric material having satisfactory piezoelectric constant and mechanical quality factor in a device driving temperature range (?30° C. to 50° C.) The piezoelectric material includes a main component containing a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by Formula 1, a first auxiliary component composed of Mn, and a second auxiliary component composed of Bi or Bi and Li. The content of Mn is 0.040 parts by weight or more and 0.500 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis. The content of Bi is 0.042 parts by weight or more and 0.850 parts by weight or less and the content of Li is 0.028 parts by weight or less (including 0 parts by weight) based on 100 parts by weight of the metal oxide on a metal basis. (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 . . . (1), wherein, 0.030?x<0.090, 0.030?y?0.080, and 0.9860?a?1.0200.

Abstract: A clamping device is capable of clamping different types of workpieces. The clamping device includes a bracket, two rails, and two pairs of holding assemblies. The bracket includes a number of supporting poles. The two rails are movably supported on opposite two of the supporting poles. Each pair of holding assemblies are movably assembled to a rail. Each holding assembly holds a corner of a workpiece.

Abstract: A system and method for prevention and removal of snowpack from solar panels increases the collection efficiency of solar panels by using one or more techniques, alone or in combination including: vibrating a vibrationally isolated surface of the solar panel; flexing a flexible sheet attached to the solar panel; inducing vibrations via extenial circulation piping for detaching the snowpack from at least one solar thermal collector of a solar array; activating a heat-pipe to transfer heat from an absorber plate to the surface of the collection panel; and using a PZT to generate vibrations for detaching the snowpack from the solar panel.

Abstract: Provided is a lead-free piezoelectric material having satisfactory and stable piezoelectric constant and mechanical quality factor in a wide practical use temperature range. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type metal oxide represented by Formula (1): (Ba1-xCax)a(Ti1-yZry)O3 (wherein, 1.00?a?1.01, 0.125?x?0.300, and 0.041?y?0.074), Mn, and Mg. The content of Mn is 0.12 parts by weight or more and 0.40 parts by weight or less based on 100 parts by weight of the perovskite-type metal oxide on a metal basis. The content of Mg is 0.10 parts by weight or less (excluding 0 part by weight) based on 100 parts by weight of the perovskite-type metal oxide on a metal basis.

Abstract: A method for removing organic materials includes providing a target object having the organic materials adsorbed thereon, and an adsorbent, into a space including a non-liquid medium therein; and separating the organic materials from the target object by applying ultrasound waves to the target object having the organic materials adsorbed thereon and the adsorbent in the space, and disposing the organic materials to the adsorbent.

Abstract: A lens cleaning device includes a piezoelectric member including a first side, a second side, and a central aperture. The piezoelectric member is operably coupled to a power source. A resilient member includes an inner edge and an outer edge. One of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member is operably coupled to the first side of the piezoelectric member. A lens is operably coupled to the other of the inner edge and the outer edge of the resilient member.

Abstract: To provide a camera that can perform a removal operation for particles adherent to a surface upon which light is incident, of a pickup device and a transmitting member disposed on an optical path of the pickup device in such a condition that the particles are properly removed. According to the present invention, a camera comprises a driving mechanism section to drop and remove particles on a cleaning target that is a surface of an image pickup device and/or a surface of a low-pass filter provided closer to a side of a subject in an optical path than the image pickup device, the subject light passing through the low-pass filter, which is provided with: a tilt sensor to detect an orientation of the camera; and a control section to judge whether a removal operation for the particles by the driving mechanism section should be carried out or not in accordance with the detected value from the tilt sensor.

Abstract: A paint spinner adapter for mini roller covers is provided. The adapter includes: a first rod comprising a first end and a second end, the first rod configured to be friction fittable within a first bore of a mini roller cover; a second rod comprising a first end a second end, the second rod configured to be friction fittable within a second bore of a different mini roller cover; wherein the second end of the first rod is connected to the second end of the second rod; wherein the second rod has a larger cross-sectional profile than the first rod; and wherein the second rod comprises opposing indentations configured for locking engagement with opposing ends of outer arms of a paint spinner.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric material which has satisfactory insulation property and piezoelectric property and which does not contain lead and potassium. The piezoelectric material includes a perovskite-type metal oxide that is represented by the following general formula (1): (NaxBa1-y)(NbyTi1-y)O3??General formula (1) where relationships of 0.80?x?0.95 and 0.85?y?0.95 are satisfied, and y×0.05 mol % or more to y×2 mol % or less of copper with respect to 1 mol of the perovskite-type metal oxide.

Abstract: A dust removing device generates vibrations at least at a wavelength ? in a vibrating member by applying alternating voltages to a first piezoelectric element and a second piezoelectric element, respectively. The first piezoelectric element is provided on a first surface of the vibrating member that is on a side having a target surface. The second piezoelectric element is provided on a second surface of the vibrating member that is opposite the first surface. When the first piezoelectric element and the second piezoelectric element are projected in a direction that is normal to the target surface, a distance dL1 between a vibration generating end of the first piezoelectric element and a vibration generating end of the second piezoelectric element is expressed in the form dL1>0, where dL1?n?/2 and n is a positive integer.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole, and has at least one side that is symmetric with respect to a virtual axis on a surface of the member. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member, arranged on the surface along the one side, and configured to produce, at the surface, vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce the vibration on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop is surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude. When a thickness of the dust-screening member is assumed to be tg and a thickness of the vibrating member is assumed to be tp, tg/tp has a dimension of 0.8.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems and methods effective to implement particle removal. In one example, a method for at least partially removing particles from a region is generally described. In some examples, the method includes applying an electric field to a material to produce an acoustic wave from the material. The material may have a periodic piezoelectric coefficient. The method may include applying the acoustic wave to the region to produce an agglomeration. The agglomeration may include at least two of the particles. The method may further include at least partially removing the agglomeration from the region.

Abstract: A system for removing objects from a surface is disclosed. The system may include at least one sensor, a controller, and at least one vibration motor. The sensor is configured to detect an object on the surface and to generate a signal indicative of the object characteristics. The controller may be operatively coupled to the sensor. The controller can receive the generated signal indicative of the object characteristics, and then determine a desired frequency and amplitude of vibration to apply to the surface based on the object characteristics. At least one vibration motor may be in communication with the controller and configured to apply the desired frequency and amplitude of vibration to the surface.

Abstract: According to the present invention there are provided an ultrasound system and method for glass deicing and defrosting, particularly of car's windshields. The system includes cube-shaped ultrasound transducers which generate high-intensity ultrasound waves which propagate in the windshields and heat it uniformly. Selection of the working parameters of the system is performed for specific windshields by a method including simulations.

Abstract: Exemplary surface debris removal systems and methods are operable to remove debris from a signal transmitting/receiving surface. An embodiment provides power to, and then removes power from, a conductive memory wire that is secured to a moveable portion of a two-position snap spring. In response to providing the power to the conductive memory wire, a length of the conductive memory wire decreases so that the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring is pulled from an extended position to a retracted position. When power is removed from the conductive memory wire, the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring moves from the retracted position to the extended position. In response to the moving of the moveable portion of the two-position snap spring from the retracted position to the extended position, an energy is generated and transferred to the surface that dislodges the debris from the surface.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments described herein, there is provided an apparatus for a user interface, the user interface including a user interface surface, the user interface surface including at least part of a self cleaning composition, the composition being configured to draw away at least one dermatological contaminant from one or more contaminated regions of the user interface surface to thereby provide a self-cleaning user interface surface.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes an elastic member, an electrical-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic member, configured to cause the elastic member to generate vibration, and a supporting member that supports the elastic member. The electrical-mechanical energy conversion element is formed of a piezoelectric material in which, in a usage temperature range of the piezoelectric device, a piezoelectric constant decreases along with temperature rise. A supporting member that supports the elastic member is formed of a material in which, in the usage temperature range of the piezoelectric device, Q value increases along with temperature rise.

Abstract: A dual striker mechanism for a carpet-tapping machine comprises two striker grills which are mounted in a common body opposite one another so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal axis of their retaining rail. The tapping rods of the first striker grill thereby protrude into the gaps between the tapping rods of the second striker grill. The arrangement of the tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby forms a common horizontal plane. The striker grills are coupled to one another such that upon a clockwise pivoting motion of the first striker grill, the opposite one moves counter-clockwise. The drive motor for the striker grills generates an alternating pivoting motion about the longitudinal axis of the striker grills via an eccentric drive. The tapping rods of the two striker grills thereby move toward each other in their common substantially horizontal position.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric ceramics that can achieve both high piezoelectric performance and a high Curie temperature. Also provided are a piezoelectric element, a liquid discharge head, an ultrasonic motor, and a dust removing device, which use the piezoelectric ceramics. The piezoelectric ceramics include a perovskite-type metal oxide expressed by a general formula (1): xBaTiO3-yBiFeO3-zBi(M0.5Ti0.5)O3, where M represents at least one type of element selected from the group consisting of Mg and Ni, x satisfies 0.40?x?0.80, y satisfies O?y?0.30, z satisfies 0.05?z?0.60, and x+y+z=1 is satisfied, and are oriented in a (111) plane in a pseudocubic expression.

Abstract: A method of removing accumulated frozen rain/ice/snow from a metal roof. The method comprising the steps of inducing vibration into the metal roof, via at least one vibration imparting member attached to the metal roof, to break up the frozen rain/ice/snow accumulated on the metal roof and separate the frozen rain/ice/snow from the metal roof; and allowing the frozen rain/ice/snow to slide off the metal roof under an effect of gravity.

Abstract: An objective of the invention is to eliminate the need of a frequent dust waste by the user and to provide efficient device for wasting the dust that has been collected in the robot cleaner. The invention provides a robot cleaner capable of discharging dust out to a dust discharge station, wherein the robot cleaner is capable of moving autonomously to collect dust, the robot cleaner comprising: a dust container for storing dust; a dust inlet for collecting dust into the dust container; and an opening and closing mechanism of the dust container, provided at a bottom surface of the robot cleaner, for discharging dust collected in the dust container.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member and arranged on the surface along the one side. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce a vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface, on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude. When a length of a side in a dust-screening member virtual rectangle corresponding to a short side of a vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LFw, and a length of short side of the vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be WE, WF/LFw has a dimension of 0.095 or greater and 0.105 or less.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member, arranged on the surface along the one side, and configured to produce, at the surface, vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce the vibration on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop is surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude. When a length of a side in a dust-screening member virtual rectangle corresponding to a long side of a vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LF, and a length of a long side in the vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LPFF, LPFF/LF has a dimension of 0.7.

Abstract: A foreign matter removal unit includes a rectangular optical member disposed on an optical path, in which is set an optically effective region through which a light flux passes, a piezoelectric device provided to a side of the optical member on the outer side of the optically effective region, and a vibration suppression member provided to a side of the optical member where the piezoelectric device is not provided. The vibration suppression member is provided to the optical member such that an edge face of the side of the optical member does not protrude out from an edge face of the vibration suppression member.

Abstract: A vibration member driving circuit causes vibrations in a vibration member at least including an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic body by applying alternating voltage to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element fixed to the elastic body. The vibration member driving circuit includes an inductor and capacitor serially connected to the electro-mechanical energy conversion element. 0.73*fm<fs<1.2*fm is satisfied where fs is the series resonance frequency by the inductor and the capacitor and fm is the resonance frequency of the vibration member.

Abstract: A gutter cleaning robot can traverse rain gutters to agitate and remove debris. The gutter cleaning robot is equipped with a debris auger at a front end that contacts and ejects the debris, and has a drive system for propelling the gutter cleaning robot along the rain gutter. The debris auger can include a spiral screw or various other forms of auger, and may be interchangeable by the user so as to enhance the effectiveness of the gutter cleaning robot in various environments or modes of operation.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method of cleaning filters that removes the ash in the plugged regions is disclosed. The filter is subjected to vibrations, which serve to loosen trapped and packed retentate from the filter. The loosened retentate is then captured by a collection bin. The cleaning system can be integral with the intended application, such as within an automobile. In another embodiment, the cleaning system is a separate cleaning station, where the filter is removing from its intended application, cleaned, and then reinstalled.

Abstract: A dust removing device includes an oscillation body including at least an elastic member and an electromechanical energy conversion element which is fixed to the elastic member, wherein the electromechanical energy conversion element is configured to excite oscillation in the elastic member to remove dust. A rigidity-increasing member configured to enhance rigidity of the oscillation body in the direction of a node line of the oscillation is provided on at least one of the elastic member and the electromechanical energy conversion element.

Abstract: A vibrating device includes a drive unit configured to drive a vibrating member to produce vibration Z (x, y) at a dust-screening member, the vibration being expressed as follows: Z(x,y)=Wmn(x,y)·cos(?)+Wnm(x,y)·sin(?) where Z (x, y) is vibration at a given point P (x, y) on the dust-screening member, m and n are positive integers including 0, indicating the order of natural vibration corresponding to a vibrational mode, W mn ? ( x , y ) = sin ? ( n ? ? ? · x + ? 2 ) · sin ? ( m ? ? ? · y + ? 2 ) , ? W n ? ? m ? ( x , y ) = sin ? ( m ? ? ? · x + ? 2 ) · sin ? ( n ? ? ? · y + ? 2 ) , and ? is +?/4 or ranges from ??/8 to ??/4.

Abstract: A driving method for a piezoelectric vibrator including a driving piezoelectric element and a detection piezoelectric element formed of the same material as a material of the driving piezoelectric element, for driving the piezoelectric vibrator by applying, to the driving piezoelectric element, an alternating voltage having a frequency close to a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric vibrator, the driving method including, in the case where it is detected based on variations in output detected from the detection piezoelectric element that at least one of variations in mechanical resistance of the piezoelectric vibrator and variations in piezoelectric characteristic of a piezoelectric element have occurred, applying an alternating voltage adjusted in accordance with the variations in mechanical resistance of the piezoelectric vibrator and/or the variations in piezoelectric characteristic of the piezoelectric element, to thereby adjust an electrical input to the piezoelectric vibrator to suppress variations

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning apparatus having at least a cleaning tank; an ultrasonic wave transmitting tank; a vibrating plate placed at a bottom portion of the ultrasonic wave transmitting tank, the vibrating plate superposing the ultrasonic waves on the transmitting water with a transducer; and a holding jig for holding the object to be cleaned in the cleaning tank, the apparatus in which the object to be cleaned is ultrasonically cleaned by immersing the object to be cleaned held with the holding jig in the cleaning liquid accommodated in the cleaning tank, putting the cleaning tank into the transmitting water accommodated in the ultrasonic wave transmitting tank, and transmitting the ultrasonic waves superposed with the vibrating plate to the cleaning tank through the transmitting water, the apparatus comprising a transmitting tank oscillating mechanism for oscillating the ultrasonic wave transmitting tank in a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A component mat combines with similar mats to form a vehicle tracking pad assemblage, with juxtaposed ends joined by mechanical interlock. Optional turnout mats are interlocked to sides of the component mat. A top mat surface carries a finish formed of an array of upstanding mud removal elements of effective height. Mud removal element heights may be uniform among spaced apart elements or may vary among juxtaposed elements. The intermat interlock may carry the top finish to establish continuity over the junction. Suitable mud removal elements include cylinders, pyramids, ribs, and simulated rock patterns.

Abstract: A cleaning method uses a cleaning agent in which microcapsules are dispersed therein. Each of the microcapsules encapsulates a gas precursor, which is capable of undergoing a phase transition to a gas phase by application of ultrasonic wave energy. In the cleaning method, clothing to be cleaned is wetted with the cleaning agent, and then an ultrasonic wave is applied to the clothing to cause the microcapsules to expand and explode, releasing gas. Explosion energy of the microcapsules contribute to remove dirt stains from the clothing. In order to facilitate absorption of the cleaning agent, a smaller ultrasonic wave may be applied to the article before applying the ultrasonic wave for explosion.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member, arranged on the surface along the one side, and configured to produce, at the surface, vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce the vibration on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop is surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude. When a length of a side in a dust-screening member virtual rectangle corresponding to a long side of a vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LF, and a length of a long side in the vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LPFF, LPFF/LF has a dimension of 0.7.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member and arranged on the surface along the one side. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce a vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface, on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude. When a length of a side in a dust-screening member virtual rectangle corresponding to a short side of a vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be LFw, and a length of short side of the vibrating member virtual rectangle is assumed to be WE, WF/LFw has a dimension of 0.095 or greater and 0.105 or less.

Abstract: A dust-screening member is shaped like a plate as a whole, and has at least one side that is symmetric with respect to a virtual axis on a surface of the member. A vibrating member is adjacent to one side of the dust-screening member, arranged on the surface along the one side, and configured to produce, at the surface, vibration having a vibrational amplitude perpendicular to the surface. A drive unit is configured to drive the vibrating member to produce the vibration on the surface, such that peak ridges of the vibration form a closed loop and an area including a center of the closed loop is surrounded by a node area having almost no vibrational amplitude.

Abstract: A driving method causes a vibrator to generate standing waves different in order with a predetermined time phase difference. The vibrator has a first vibration mode that plural nodal lines are arranged in a first direction, a second vibration mode that number of first-direction nodal lines is different from that in the first vibration mode and its natural frequency is higher than that of the first vibration mode, and a third vibration mode that its natural frequency is between those of the first and second vibration modes. The vibrator is driven on condition that excitation force to one of the first and second vibration modes that a difference between its natural frequency and the natural frequency of the third vibration mode is smaller is made larger than that to the other thereof that a difference between its natural frequency and the natural frequency of the third vibration mode is larger.

Abstract: A vibrating device includes a dust-screening member shaped like a plate as a whole, a first vibrating member secured to the dust-screening member and configured to cause, when driven alone, the dust-screening member to undergo first standing-wave vibration, and a second vibrating member secured to the dust-screening member and configured to cause, when driven alone, the dust-screening member to undergo second standing-wave vibration. The first vibrating member and the second vibrating member are so positioned that the first standing-wave vibration and second standing-wave vibration produced by the first and second vibrating members, respectively, overlap each other, thus producing a travelling wave propagating in one direction and having nodes regions at an outer circumferential edge of the dust-screening member, the node regions having virtually no vibrational amplitude.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric device, a first electrode and a second electrode are disposed to be opposed to each other on plate surfaces of the piezoelectric device, a first electrode plane of the piezoelectric device is fixedly bonded to a plate surface of a vibrating plate, a piezoelectric material forming the piezoelectric device is polarized in a direction parallel to the first electrode plane, the piezoelectric device is fixed to a base through a second electrode plane of the piezoelectric device, and the piezoelectric device generates a thickness-shear vibration with the fixed second electrode plane being a reference plane. The piezoelectric vibration generated by the piezoelectric device generates a flexural vibration in the vibrating plate, to thereby remove dust adhering to a surface of the vibrating plate.

Abstract: A vibration control unit inputs an electrical signal to a vibrating member to generate, in a light-transmitting region of a dust-screening member, vibration forming a plurality of ridges of peaks defining a closed loop around a virtual intersection at which a virtual vibrational axis passing the half-length point of the vibrating member intersects with a virtual vibrational axis passing the half-length point of the dust-screening member. For example, the vibration is vibration whose peak including the virtual intersection gradually increases in terms of amplitude as the amplitude of the peak approaches the virtual intersection, and becomes the largest in terms of amplitude at the virtual intersection. The dust-screening member and the vibrating member have the following relation: 1.2?Ts/Tg?1.6, where Tg is the thickness of the thickness of the dust-screening member, and Ts is the thickness of the vibrating member.