Abstract: An injector including a nozzle that includes an opening and a seat, a needle movably mounted in the nozzle and having an end defining a valve in a contact area with the seat, a mechanism for vibrating the valve, a first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a first distance from the valve along the nozzle, and another first acoustic-impedance breaking area at a second distance from the valve along the needle. Each of the first and second distances is such that the respective propagation time of acoustic waves along the distance is: Ti=ni*[?/2], where ni is a positive integer coefficient different from zero with i=3 for the first distance and i=4 for the second distance, ? being a period of the vibrations.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric ejector assembly, a piezoelectric actuator is attached to an ejector mechanism, while a drive signal generator and a controller are coupled to the actuator. The drive signal generator is configured to generate a drive signal for driving the actuator to oscillate the ejector assembly. The controller is configured to control the drive signal generator to drive the actuator at a resonant frequency of the ejector assembly, and an auto-tuning circuit is provided to define the optimum drive signal frequency.

Abstract: A droplet dispensing device includes a reservoir for receiving a liquid material, an outlet nozzle in fluid communication with the reservoir and a piezoelectric actuating means acting on the liquid material at the outlet nozzle to exit the outlet nozzle in a sequence of droplets. A piezoelectric actuating means that includes a piston, which is actuated by a piezoelectric actuator at one end and dips the other, free end into the liquid material is provided just upstream of the outlet nozzle.

Abstract: An ultrasonic atomizing unit is provided which can spray fine particles of a liquid farther without greatly increasing a voltage applied to a piezoelectric vibrator and using a fan. An annular atomizing member (1) is provided and ultrasonically vibrates a vibrating plate (12) with a piezoelectric vibrator (11) to atomize a liquid. The atomizing member (1) is elastically sandwiched and held by a casing (3) through a pair of annular elastic rings (2) that are in contact with the atomizing member (1). A maximum facing width in a radial direction between each annular elastic member and one surface of the atomizing member (1) on one side in the radial direction from the center of the atomizing member (1) is 40% of a radial direction width of the piezoelectric vibrator (11) on one side in the radial direction from the center of the piezoelectric vibrator (11).

Abstract: A liquid atomizer (1) with battery-powered (1) piezoelectric vibration device (4), of the type timed to occur between alternate activation cycles and rest cycles and including a first electronic supply circuit (2) with an impulse current generator (9) at a relatively high voltage and a second supply circuit (5a) of the piezoelectric vibration device (4) at a relatively low voltage, as well as a switch device (10, 11) apt to connect in alternate phases the supply of the piezoelectric vibration device (4)—in a same actuation cycle—to the first circuit and to the second circuit. An actuation method of the atomizer is also described.

Abstract: A control unit for controlling the operation of a nebulizer is provided that is configured to measure the impedance of an actuator in the nebulizer and to determine whether a nebulizing element in the nebulizer is positioned correctly with respect to the actuator on the basis of the measured impedance. Also provided is a nebulizer comprising a reservoir chamber for storing a liquid to be nebulized, an actuator for vibrating liquid stored in the reservoir chamber, and a control unit as described above.

Abstract: A refrigerator with a main supply fluid tank and a secondary reservoir supplied with fluid from the main supply fluid tank, with secondary reservoir having a maximum, controlled height of fluid. The refrigerator has an atomizer with fluid from the secondary reservoir which discharges the fluid provided from the secondary reservoir in an atomized spray to at least a portion of the refrigerator, and a flexible wick between the secondary reservoir and the atomizer and in fluid communication with both the secondary reservoir and the atomizer. Additionally, the atomizer has a piezo element located in a piezo reservoir to hold fluid next to the piezo element, wherein the piezo reservoir is provided with fluid from the secondary reservoir via the flexible wick.

Abstract: An electronically controlled scent producing element (800) constituted of: a plate (860) exhibiting a plurality of perforations extending from a first face of the plate to a second face of the plate opposing the first face; a plurality of micro-plugs (870) juxtaposed with the plate (860), each of the plurality of micro-plugs (870) extending longitudinally from a base end to a tip end, and arranged to mate with one of the plurality of perforations; a translation mechanism in communication with one of the plate (820, 860) and the plurality of micro-plugs (870); and a vibrator in communication with at least one of the plate (820, 860) and the plurality of micro-plugs.

Abstract: A fuel injector has a valve needle that has a maximum diameter at a flow-off edge, and a valve seat acting together with the valve needle using a sealing seat, the valve seat widening, starting from the sealing seat up to a discharge edge, and the flow-off edge of the valve needle being offset backwards, in relation to the flow direction, with respect to the discharge edge of the valve seat, when the fuel injector is closed. The flow-off edge of the valve needle is offset backwards with respect to the discharge edge of the valve seat in a predetermined range of 2 micrometers to 20 micrometers, in the direction of a longitudinal valve axis.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head and a recording device are disclosed. The liquid ejecting head includes a fluid channel member and compressing members. The fluid channel member is elongated in a first direction. The fluid channel member includes ejection holes, compression chambers and a manifold. The compressing members is bonded to the fluid channel member. The manifold includes: a length extending in the first direction; openings at the first and second end portions of the fluid channel member; and secondary manifolds divided by one or more partitions that are elongated in the first direction. The compression chambers connected to one of the secondary manifolds configure two compression chamber rows disposed along the secondary manifolds, and the compression chambers belonging to the two compression chamber rows do not overlap in the first direction with compression chambers belonging to compression chamber rows adjacent to the two compression chamber rows.

Abstract: A liquid ejecting head and a recording device are disclosed. The head includes a fluid channel member and a piezoelectric substrate on the fluid channel member. The fluid channel member includes chambers, each having a diamond shape with two obtuse angle portions and two acute angle portions. In a plan view, the chambers are arranged in a matrix, and aligned in directions of a row and of a column. The substrate includes a first electrode, a piezoelectric body and second electrodes. Each of the second electrodes includes a main electrode and a lead-out portion. The main electrode overlaps with the respective chamber, and is located inside the chamber in the plan view. The lead-out electrode includes: a first end which overlaps with the respective chamber; and a second end located outside the chamber and located in a region that does not overlap with the column in the plan view.

Abstract: A liquid droplet production apparatus comprising a perforate membrane (33,39), a means for supplying liquid to one side of the membrane, an actuator (31) for vibrating the membrane said vibration causing liquid droplets to be ejected from the other side of the membrane, in which magnetic force is used to connect the actuator to the membrane so that the vibration can be transmitted.

Abstract: A nozzle device comprising a nozzle chamber includes a fluid inlet located at a first side of the nozzle chamber which is operative to introduce fluid into the nozzle chamber in an injection direction and a fluid outlet at a second side of the nozzle chamber which is operative to expel fluid from the nozzle chamber. A high frequency wave generator is also located in the nozzle chamber which is oriented and operative to generate high frequency waves in a direction which is substantially parallel to the injection direction, whereby to impart high frequency energy to the fluid in the nozzle chamber.

Abstract: There is disclosed a piezoelectric droplet maker that is driven at high frequency and energized with high power and high frequency Operational Amplifier (OP-AMP) electronics. The droplet maker implements a method of producing jets of uniform droplets of solution precursors (or any other homogeneous liquids). The formation of droplets results from stream break up due to the disturbance of liquid jets by the piezo actuator as they leave an orifice. This disturbance can be electronically tuned to produce uniform droplets with high repeatability. In another aspect, the droplet maker can be used to inject axially uniform diameter solution precursor droplets into process gas flow of a microwave plasma apparatus.

Abstract: A device for generating a nebulized sample for detection of an analyte. The device includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) transducer and a superstrate. The superstrate has a first surface for coupling with the SAW transducer and a second surface for receiving a fluid sample incorporating the analyte. The fluid sample is nebulized from the second surface. The superstrate is provided with an electrical connection extending from the second surface of the superstrate to provide a conducting path from a charge source to the second surface of the superstrate. The charge source may be the surface of the transducer or an external voltage source.

Abstract: A hollow actuator-driven droplet dispensing apparatus may include an elastic tube having an elastic body, defining a storage space therein, and extending a predetermined length, and a hollow actuator fitted around the elastic tube so as to generate a force and a displacement in the longitudinal direction when an electric field is applied. The hollow actuator is expanded or contracted in the longitudinal direction of the elastic tube when the external voltage is applied, thereby reducing or enlarging the volume of an inner space of the elastic tube. The droplet dispensing apparatus can press the elastic tube to expand or contract the volume of the inner space of the tube using the hollow actuator capable of quickly generating a displacement in response to an application voltage so that a fixed amount of content can be discharged out and taken into the tube.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a medium, including a valve arrangement with a valve member forming a seal at a valve seat, wherein the valve arrangement is arranged in the medium to be injected, an actuator device with an actuator, a plunger and a return element, and a pulse-transmitting device which is arranged between the valve arrangement and the actuator device, which separates the valve arrangement from the actuator device in a fluid-tight manner and which transmits a pulse generated by the actuator device to the medium to be injected in order in that manner to open the valve arrangement and inject medium.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nozzle assembly may include the step of over molding a nozzle housing, or a portion of a nozzle housing, onto at least one nozzle component, such as an injection tube. Nozzle assemblies and flow cytometers incorporating nozzle assemblies may include any combination of straight smooth injection tubes, improved features for securing a nozzle assembly, improved features for debubbling a nozzle assembly, and aggressive orienting geometries. A method of sorting cells may include the step of magnetically coupling a nozzle assembly with a flow cytometer.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to a device for delivering a substance in an aerosol, liquid or cream form into a cellular organism with the assistance of asymmetric pulse magnetic energy and ultrasound.

Abstract: The advanced modified high performance synthetic jet actuator with optimized curvature shape chamber (ASJA-M) is a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) with a lower volume reservoir or chamber. A curved chamber is used, instead of the conventional cylinder chamber, to reduce the dead volume of the jet chamber and increase the efficiency of the synthetic jet actuator. The shape of the curvature corresponds to the maximum displacement (deformation) profile of the electroactive diaphragm. The jet velocity and mass flow rate for the ASJA-M will be several times higher than conventional piezoelectric actuators.

Abstract: A synthetic jet ejector is provided which comprises a first housing portion (131), and a second housing portion (133) which releasably attaches to the first housing portion, wherein the first and second housing portions form first and second portions, respectively, of at least one passageway (159) adapted to emit at least one synthetic jet.

Abstract: A nebulizer comprising a main body, an atomizer, and a vibrating element. The atomizer comprises a substrate, a main recipient supported by the substrate for containing liquid and having surfaces delimiting the liquid reservoir, and a dosing reservoir arranged on the main recipient so as to delimit a predetermined amount of liquid to be expelled. The dosing reservoir comprises a hollow section defining the predetermined amount of liquid, a solid section, a central section, an orifice membrane plate, and a fluidic channel arranged in-between a bottom surface of the solid section and the flat top surface of the main reservoir so as to create a capillary communication between the hollow section and the orifice membrane plate.

Abstract: There are provided a multi-layer piezoelectric element which is capable of suppression of occurrence of an imperfect area, suffers from no development of leakage current even with moisture intrusion, has long-term freedom from variations in displacement and can achieve stable driving, as well as to provide a piezoelectric actuator, an injection device, and a fuel injection system provided with the multi-layer piezoelectric element. A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body in which piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes acting as positive and negative internal electrodes are laminated; an inorganic coating attached to a side surface of the stacked body where ends of both the positive internal electrodes and the negative internal electrodes are exposed; and metal particles composed predominantly of a metal element contained in the internal electrodes, the metal particles dispersed in the inorganic coating.

Abstract: There are provided a multi-layer piezoelectric element that is driven stably for a long period of time without developing cracks in a junction between a metallized layer and a lead member or a stacked body, and an injection device and a fuel injection system provided with the same. A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body in which piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes are laminated; a metallized layer disposed on a side surface of the stacked body, the metalized layer being electrically connected to the internal electrodes; and an external electrode member disposed on the metallized layer, with an electrically-conductive adhesive layer interposed therebetween, wherein the electrically-conductive adhesive layer has a plurality of voids configured not to open on a surface thereof which surface is in contact with the metallized layer.

Abstract: A method of prepping a cylindrical inner surface of a bore using a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet apparatus entails generating a pressurized waterjet using a high-pressure water pump, generating a high-frequency signal using a high-frequency signal generator, applying the high-frequency signal to a transducer having a microtip to cause the microtip to vibrate to thereby generate the high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet, and rotating the rotatable ultrasonic nozzle inside the bore to prep the inner cylindrical surface of the bore using the high-frequency forced pulsed waterjets exiting from the angled exit orifices of the rotatable ultrasonic nozzle.

Abstract: An electronic device has an electronic signal source electrically connected to a signal routing circuit, an electrically activated transducer to receive electronic signals through the signal routing circuit, and an anisotropic conductive film to provide electrical continuity between the signal routing circuit and the transducer, the anisotropic conductive film having material removed adjacent the transducer to reduce mechanical loading of the transducer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ejector device is provided which is designed to minimize the intake of air into the device upon actuation by providing for laminar flow of the fluid. In an ejector mechanism that includes a generator plate and a piezoelectric actuator operable to directly or indirectly oscillate the generator plate, at a frequency to generate a directed stream of droplets of fluid, the generator plate includes a fluid facing surface, a droplet ejection surface, and a plurality of holes formed through its thickness between the surfaces. The plurality of holes are configured so as to minimize airflow through the plurality of openings from the droplet ejection surface to the fluid facing surface during generation of the directed stream of droplets by configuring the shape of the holes to minimize turbulence.

Abstract: A scent producing apparatus constituted of: a control circuitry; a plate exhibiting at least one release port extending from a first face of the plate to a second face of the plate opposing the first face; at least one scent reservoir in communication with the first face of the plate; a controllable scent release mechanism associated with each scent reservoir and arranged to release a controlled quantity of the contents of the associated scent reservoir through a release port to the second face of the plate; and a vibrator responsive to the control circuitry and in communication with the plate, wherein the control circuitry is arranged to: control each controllable scent release mechanism to release a controlled quantity of the contents of the associated scent reservoir through the release port to the second face of the plate; and vibrate the plate to thereby atomize the released contents.

Abstract: A device for sanitizing and disinfecting a space includes a tank having an interior space for holding an aqueous sanitizing, disinfecting, and/or sterilizing liquid, a bottom sector, an air inlet sector, and an exhaust sector, inner walls of the exhaust sector and the air inlet sector forming a substantially V-shaped air pathway within the interior space. A liquid cascading reactor vessel is positioned within the bottom sector of the tank, a top edge of the reactor vessel in adjustably spaced relation from a notch in the V-shaped air pathway. A vibratable ultrasonic head array is positionable within and beneath a top edge of the reactor vessel and is submergable within the reactor vessel for vibrating the disc to form atomized micro-particles from the liquid. Air can be drawn into the air inlet, and the formed atomized micro-particles can be exhausted from the exhaust outlet.

Abstract: A liquid droplet spray device for ejecting a liquid as a spray of droplets has a cartridge (15) with a nozzle arrangement (13) to eject droplets, which is vibrated by a piezo element (23a) through the agency of an actuating element (23). A resonance chamber is disposed between an inner wall (15a) of the cartridge and the actuating element (23) such that the cartridge inner wall (15a) is separated by a gap having a length B from the actuating element (23), the cartridge inner wall (15a) being cap-shaped and extending along the side surfaces of the actuating element (23) and being frictionally attached to the side surfaces along a distance A. The resonance chamber (10) improves the efficiency of transmission of vibrations to the cartridge.

Abstract: A method for bounce suppression of a valve member operated by a piezo actuator during the closing phase of a valve in an internal combustion engine, having the following steps: partial discharging of the piezo actuator, whereby the valve member is braked even before reaching the valve seat, interruption of the discharge of the piezo actuator, whereby the piezo actuator is upset by the valve member and builds up an electric charge, renewed discharging of the piezo actuator, the residual charge after partial discharge and the charge built up during the charge interruption being at least partially dissipated. It is provided, according to the present invention, briefly to interrupt the discharge process, whereby the piezo actuator absorbs the energy of the valve member and, even before an elastic rebound takes place, the piezo actuator is discharged again, in order to dissipate the energy absorbed by the piezo actuator.

Abstract: A target supply apparatus includes a tank for storing a liquid target material, a nozzle for outputting the liquid target material in the tank, and a gas supply source for supplying gas into the tank, and controls a gas pressure inside the tank with a pressure of the gas supplied from the gas supply source which is provided with a pressure regulator. The target supply apparatus also includes a pressure-decrease gas passage of which one end is connected to the tank and the other end forms an exhaust port, a pressure-decrease valve provided on the pressure-decrease gas passage, and a controller for controlling open/close of the pressure-decrease valve. The controller, when the target material is caused not to output from the nozzle, opens the pressure-decrease valve and decreases the pressure inside the tank.

Abstract: A fuel injector valve (1) of a piston engine, which comprises a fuel chamber (3) for the fuel to be injected, a valve needle (9) for guiding the fuel injection from the fuel chamber (3) into the cylinder (4) of the engine, a spring (10) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position, and a piezoelectric actuator (11) for guiding the valve needle (9). Additionally, the injector valve (1) comprises a drawbar (22), which is loosely coupled to the valve needle (9), a second drawbar (23), which is attached to the piezoelectric actuator (11) and loosely coupled to the drawbar (22), and that the injector valve (1) comprises a second spring (24) fitted in connection with the drawbar (22) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position and a third spring (25) fitted in connection with the second drawbar (23) for pressing the valve needle (9) towards the closed position.

Abstract: Delivery systems comprising improved volatile compositions are provided. The delivery system comprises an electromechanical actuator for emitting the improved composition into the air, whereby scent longevity, perfume character, room fill, and/or functional benefits (e.g. odor elimination) are provided.

Abstract: A fluid ejection apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid passages for fluid flow and a plurality of nozzles fluidically connected to the fluid passages, a plurality of actuators positioned on top of the substrate to cause fluid in the plurality of fluid passages to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles, a housing component with a descending portion that projects down to the substrate, an integrated circuit chip supported on the substrate, a potting barrier secured to the housing component and positioned between the integrated circuit chip and the actuators, and a potting material between the integrated circuit chip and the barrier.

Abstract: An injector having an injector body, in which a housing opening and a communication hale are provided, includes a supporting member fixed to an actuator, which includes a lead-wire supporting portion that supports ends of lead wires and a plate portion formed integrally with the lead-wire supporting portion. A thickness of the plate portion is smaller than that of the lead-wire supporting portion, and multiple trench portions are provided on a surface of the plate portion so that the plate portion can be easily bent. While the supporting member passes through the housing opening, the lead wires straight move. After an end portion of the supporting member contacts the communication hole, external force is applied to the end portion to bend the plate portion, and thereby the lead wires are bent while moving in the communication hole.

Abstract: A coating device comprises at least one application apparatus to discharge a coating agent from at least one coating agent nozzle. The application apparatus is configured to apply an oscillation to at least one of the coating agent and at least one coating agent jet such that at least one of the coating agent and the at least one coating agent jet break up into droplets.

Abstract: There are provided a piezoelectric device, an inkjet print head, and a method of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric device includes piezoelectric ceramic powder containing 90 parts by weight or more to less than 100 parts by weight of Pb(Zr, Ti)O3, and more than 0 part by weight to 10 parts by weight or less of glass frit, based on 100 parts by weight of a piezoelectric substance composition for the piezoelectric device, wherein the glass frit contains 10 to 20 parts by weight of ZnO, based on 100 parts by weight of glass frit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for reducing acoustical noise when cooling a device, such as a lamp system. The apparatus includes at least a set of a first synthetic jet and a second synthetic jet. The first and second synthetic jets are responsive to respective actuating signals having a phase difference (e.g., 180°) between one another chosen to reduce acoustic noise produced by the first and second synthetic jets when cooling the device.

Abstract: A nebulization structure with a nozzle plate includes a nozzle plate and a driving element. The nozzle plate is composed of a polymer and a support plate, and the support plate includes a plurality of connecting portions and a through hole, and the polymer covers the support plate and has a plurality of penetrating holes corresponding to the through hole. The driving element is coupled to the nozzle plate through the connecting portions for producing a high-frequency vibration wave through a piezoelectric effect after power is supplied and driving the nozzle plate to vibrate and break up the molecular structure of a solution into a mist, so as to achieve the nebulization effect. The nebulization structure can be installed in a nebulization apparatus to achieve a high-efficiency nebulization effect by the nozzle plate and the driving element, so as to facilitate the manufacturing process and save costs.

Abstract: A device for spraying a cosmetic composition may include a sonotrode, the sonotrode having an end collar defining an ejection surface for ejecting particles of composition, the collar being suitable for bending under the effect of vibration of the sonotrode.

Abstract: A method of prepping a surface using a high-frequency forced pulsed waterjet entails generating a high-frequency signal having a frequency f using a high-frequency signal generator, applying the high-frequency signal to a transducer having a microtip to cause the microtip of the transducer to vibrate to thereby generate a forced pulsed waterjet through an exit orifice of a nozzle having an exit orifice diameter d and a length L. The forced pulsed waterjet prepares the surface to within a predetermined range of surface roughness. The surface roughness is determined by selecting operating parameters comprising a standoff distance (SD), a traverse velocity VTR of the nozzle, a water pressure P, a water flow rate Q, a length-to-diameter (L/d) ratio, a microtip-to-orifice distance (a), the frequency f, and an amplitude A of the high-frequency signal.

Abstract: A reservoir assembly for use in an ophthalmic fluid delivery device adapted to deliver an ophthalmic fluid in the form of a mist to an ocular region of a patient is provided, wherein the device has a lumen-defining component configured to deliver the fluid from the reservoir assembly. The reservoir assembly includes a reservoir defining an aperture and a cavity in fluid flow communication with the aperture, a fluid contained in the cavity of the reservoir, and a gasket traversing the aperture. The gasket defines a passage configured to receive a portion of the lumen-defining component and to permit the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is inserted through the passage. The gasket is also configured to substantially prevent the flow of the fluid from the cavity and through the aperture when the portion of the lumen-defining component is not inserted through the passage.

Abstract: A method of operating a fuel injector having a piezoelectric actuator for controlling movement of an injector valve needle comprises: (a) prior to an initial fuel injection event, reducing the voltage across the actuator at an initial rate so as to de-energize the actuator; (b) increasing the voltage across the actuator at a first rate in order to initiate an initial fuel injection event of a first fuel injection sequence; and (c) reducing the voltage across the actuator at a second rate in order to terminate the initial fuel injection event. The method may further comprise the step of: (d) increasing the voltage across the actuator at a third rate, which is lower than the first rate, so as to de-energize the actuator but without initiating an injection event, once the initial fuel injection event has terminated and before a subsequent fuel injection event is initiated.

Abstract: A fluid ejection apparatus includes a substrate having a plurality of fluid passages for fluid flow and a plurality of nozzles fluidically connected to the fluid passages, a plurality of actuators positioned on top of the substrate to cause fluid in the plurality of fluid passages to be ejected from the plurality of nozzles, and a protective layer formed over at least a portion of the plurality of actuators, the protective layer having an intrinsic permeability to moisture less than 2.5×10?3 g/m·day.

Abstract: An atomizing member that includes a piezoelectric vibrator and a vibrating membrane. The piezoelectric vibrator includes a cylindrical piezoelectric body, a first electrode disposed on an inner circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body, and a second electrode disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric vibrator performs cylindrical breathing vibration. The vibrating membrane is disposed on an opening at a first side in an axial direction of the piezoelectric body so as to cover the opening. The vibrating membrane has a through hole in its central portion.

Abstract: A method of producing a functional device according to the present invention includes, in this order: the functional solid material precursor layer formation step of applying a functional liquid material onto a base material to form a precursor layer of a functional solid material; the drying step of heating the precursor layer to a first temperature in a range from 80° C. to 250° C. to preliminarily decrease fluidity of the precursor layer; the imprinting step of imprinting the precursor layer that is heated to a second temperature in a range from 80° C. to 300° C. to form an imprinted structure on the precursor layer; and the functional solid material layer formation step of heat treating the precursor layer at a third temperature higher than the second temperature to transform the precursor layer into a functional solid material layer.

Abstract: There are provided a multi-layer piezoelectric element which suppresses damage or separation of an external electrode and improves durability, as well as an injection device and a fuel injection system using the multi-layer piezoelectric element. A multi-layer piezoelectric element includes a stacked body including stacked piezoelectric bodies and internal electrodes, a conductor layer disposed coveringly on a side surface of the stacked body so as to be elongated in a stacking direction of the stacked body to electrically connect with ends of the internal electrodes, which are extended to the side surface of the stacked body, and an external electrode disposed on the conductor layer, one end in the stacking direction of the external electrode being a feeding end, a bonded region of the external electrode which is bonded to the conductor layer in an area near the feeding end being covered with a resin.

Abstract: A spraying assembly is provided. The spraying assembly includes at least one nozzle for liquid that is to be sprayed, and at least one active substance injector which is situated directly upstream from the at least one nozzle and to which liquid to be sprayed is supplied by a pump or a pressurized reservoir, with interposition of an obturator on a conduit connecting the pump or the pressurized reservoir to the injector. The spraying assembly also includes an outlet valve for each injector designed to close each outlet orifice. The present invention avoids overdosing or underdosing of the product that is to be sprayed as active substance.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus and a method for forming a droplet aerosol for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The apparatus includes a mechanism to control the rate of liquid flow through the apparatus, the mechanism including a piezoelectric actuator to adjust the rate of liquid flow and an atomizing mechanism drawing gas from a compressed gas source such that when the gas source conjoins with the liquid, the liquid is atomized to form droplets suspended in the gas thereby forming a droplet aerosol suitable for subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate. The method includes drawing a gas from a compressed gas source and drawing a liquid from a liquid source. The liquid and gas are conjoined in either a coaxial flow relationship or a radial flow relationship or an angular relationship between radial and coaxial flow wherein the gas engages the liquid to form droplets suitable for vaporization and subsequent thin film deposition on a substrate.