Abstract: A dual backplate MEMS microphone system includes a flexible diaphragm sandwiched between two single-crystal silicon backplates. Such a MEMS microphone system may be formed by fabricating each backplate in a separate wafer, and then transferring one backplate from its wafer to the other wafer, to form two separate capacitors with the diaphragm.

Abstract: A micro speaker includes a substrate having a cavity formed therein, a diaphragm formed on the substrate overlapping the cavity. The diaphragm includes a first vibration membrane formed in a first area corresponding to a center portion of the cavity and a second vibration membrane formed in a second area corresponding to an edge portion of the cavity and formed of material different from that used for the first vibration membrane. A piezoelectric actuator is formed including a first electrode layer formed on the first vibration membrane, a piezoelectric layer formed on the first electrode layer, and a second electrode layer formed on the piezoelectric layer, and first and second curved lead wires, respectively connected to the first and second electrode layers across the second area, which are symmetrical to the center of the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: Provided are a piezoelectric micro speaker and a method of manufacturing the same. The piezoelectric micro speaker includes: a substrate having a cavity therein; a diaphragm that is disposed on the substrate, the diaphragm including a vibrating membrane that overlaps the cavity; a piezoelectric actuator that is disposed on the vibrating membrane; and a weight that is disposed in the cavity and attached to a center portion of the vibrating membrane.

Abstract: A manufacturing method for an ultrasonic probe including the steps of forming a plurality of unit fixing plates. Laminating each unit fixing plates to one another to form a fixing base and inserting lead wires into grooves formed in the fixing base. Partially cutting away and smoothing both principal surfaces of the fixing base to expose lead wires. Fixing a piezoelectric plate to one principal surface of the fixing base and cutting out between the lead wires in a one dimension direction and a two dimension direction, to divide up said piezoelectric plate and the fixing base into a plurality of piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is provided with a CMUT chip having a plurality of transducer elements that change electromechanical coupling coefficients or sensitivities in accordance with a bias voltage to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, an electric conducting layer formed on the ultrasonic irradiation side of the CMUT chip, an acoustic lens arranged on the ultrasonic irradiation side of the CMUT chip, an insulating layer formed in the direction opposite to the ultrasonic irradiation side of the acoustic lens, a housing unit that stores the CMUT chip in which the electric conducting layer and the insulating layer are fixed with an adhesive and the acoustic lens, wherein the insulating layer is formed by the material that includes at least either silicon oxide or paraxylene to prevent a solvent of the adhesive from soaking into the adhered portion.

Abstract: An improved ultrasound transducer assembly, e.g. a thickness-mode transducer assembly includes a plurality of elements comprising piezoelectric material, and a backing material disposed adjacent to a back surface of the plurality of elements. The piezoelectric material and backing material define at least a portion of a side surface, wherein an electrically conductive material is disposed upon and in contact with at least a portion of the side surface. The elements may comprise one or a plurality of front electrodes, and one or a plurality of back electrodes, wherein the front electrode(s) is electrically interconnected to the electrically conductive material disposed on the side surface portion. In a mass processing method, a plurality of thickness-mode ultrasound probe transducer assemblies may be produced, wherein a plurality of interconnected transducer subassemblies comprising a mass backing are processed in tandem.

Abstract: For manufacturing a sound transducer structure, membrane support material is applied on a first main surface of a membrane carrier material and membrane material is applied in a sound transducing region and an edge region on a surface of the membrane support material. In addition, counter electrode support material is applied on a surface of the membrane material and recesses are formed in the sound transducing region of the membrane material. Counter electrode material is applied to the counter electrode support material and membrane carrier material and membrane support material are removed in the sound transducing region to the membrane material.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micro speaker and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The piezoelectric micro speaker includes a substrate having a cavity formed therein and a diaphragm that is disposed on the substrate that overlaps the cavity. A plurality of first vibrating membranes having concentric annular ring shapes are disposed in a first region of the diaphragm corresponding to a center of the cavity. A second vibrating membrane including a different material from that of the first vibrating membranes is formed in the second region of the diaphragm corresponding to an edge of the cavity. A piezoelectric actuator for vibrating the first vibrating membranes is formed on and between the concentric annular rings of the first vibrating membranes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.

Abstract: An acoustical stack for an ultrasound probe comprises a piezoelectric layer having top and bottom sides and a plurality of matching layer sections forming a matching layer structure. Each of the matching layer sections comprises a spring layer comprising a first material and a mass layer comprising a second material that is different than the first material. The spring layer within the matching layer section that is positioned closest to the piezoelectric layer is thinner than the spring layer within the other matching layer sections.

Abstract: Provided is a faceplate for an In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid and a method of manufacturing a faceplate for an In-The-Ear (ITE) hearing aid in which the faceplate can be manufactured in a compact size, using a foldable flexible printed circuit board (PCB), while maintaining the quality, enabling mass-production, and reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: Making a transducer having a plastic matching layer which includes providing a transducer housing having a proximal end and a distal end, and bonding a plastic to the distal end of the transducer housing (the plastic fluidly sealing and occluding the distal end). The bonding further includes inserting a cylinder comprising a mold-release chemical into the transducer housing, bonding plastic onto the distal end of the transducer housing, and removing the cylinder when the plastic has hardened.

Abstract: A composite membrane acoustic transducer structure comprising a magnet assembly is arranged adjacent the composite membrane material. The magnet assembly is arranged to produce a flux field. A first layer of thin, elongate composite membrane material is held under tension. A second conductive layer is attached to the first layer of composite membrane material wherein the first and second layers of membrane material are arranged adjacent, generally parallel and offset from the magnet assembly. The assembly is arranged to produce the flux field through at least part of the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid device and a method for manufacturing the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises a housing having an inner surface. The housing has an electrical component therein. A conductive layer is attached on at least a portion of the inner surface of the housing. The inner surface acts as a support for the conductive layer. The electrical component is conductively connected to the conductive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus including vertically separated acoustic resonators are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first acoustic resonator on a substrate and a second acoustic resonator vertically separated above the first acoustic resonator. Because the resonators are vertically separated above another, total area required to implement the resonators is reduced thereby savings in die size and cost are realized. The vertically separated resonators are supported by standoffs that are fabricated on the substrate, or on a resonator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hearing aid device and a method of manufacturing the hearing aid device. The hearing aid device comprises a housing and a first conductive layer. The housing further comprises a first non-conductive layer and a second non-conductive layer. The first conductive layer is between the first non-conductive layer and the second non-conductive layer.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: In an electroacoustic transducer (21) with a stationary transducer part (23) and with a membrane configuration (17) comprising a membrane (15) and a handling ring (1) for the membrane (15) connected with the membrane (15), the membrane configuration (17) is connected with the stationary transducer part (23) via the handling ring (1), and the handling ring (1) and membrane (15) are connected together via an interlocking connection.

Abstract: The present subject matter of the invention relates generally to the management of electromagnetic fields in hearing assistance devices, such as hearing aids, and in particular to an insulated electromagnetic shield design for hearing assistance devices. The present disclosure includes various embodiments for electromagnetic shielding of a receiver using a magnetic shield that is electrically insulated from the receiver casing and electronics.

Abstract: A method of improving efficiency of manufacturing a vacuum electronic device, includes placing sensors on the device's interior during its construction and obtaining a first measured characteristic value; comparing the first measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value; determining whether the first measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; adjusting a component of the device and measuring the characteristic of the device to obtain a second measured characteristic, comparing the second measured characteristic value with a desired characteristic value, determining whether the second measured characteristic value is within a predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value; and repeating the previous step until the second measured characteristic value is within the predetermined percentage of the desired characteristic value.

Abstract: A method of preparing a polymer actuator includes providing an ionic conductive polymer membrane; forming first and second metal electrodes respectively over first and second surfaces of the ionic conductive polymer membrane; substituting water used in the formation of the first and second metal electrodes with an ionic liquid stable to an electrolysis; and coating the first and second surfaces of the metal electrodes with a coating material.

Abstract: A remotely interrogatable pressure and/or temperature measuring device includes at least an acoustic wave sensor including at least one resonator coupled to a first antenna element, and an interrogation system including a second antenna element for transmission and reception. The device further includes an expandable tubular structure, the structure integrating a biocompatible material, and the acoustic wave sensor is encapsulated in the biocompatible material. The second antenna element operates at frequencies above several tens of MegaHertz.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micro speaker and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The piezoelectric micro speaker includes a device plate, a front plate bonded on a front surface of the device plate, and a rear plate bonded on a rear surface of the device plate. The device plate includes a diaphragm, a piezoelectric actuator that vibrates the diaphragm, and a front cavity disposed in front of the diaphragm. The front plate includes a radiation hole connected to the front cavity. The rear plate includes a rear cavity formed in a surface of the rear plate facing the piezoelectric actuator, and a bent hole connected to the rear cavity. A sound absorption layer is formed on an inner surface of the rear cavity and absorbs sound radiated backward from the diaphragm so as to suppress the sound from being reflected on the rear plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are foam compositions with enhanced sound attenuation characteristics for use in earpieces, for example, user-disposable foam members such as foam tips for sound control devices including sound transmission devices and earplugs in which a relationship between the size of the pores and the volume of the cells of the polymeric may be controlled.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer assembly of the present invention includes a flexible circuit to which an ultrasound transducer array and integrated circuitry are attached during fabrication of the ultrasound transducer assembly. The flexible circuit comprises a flexible substrate to which the integrated circuitry and transducer elements are attached while the flexible substrate is in a substantially flat shape. The flexible circuit further comprises electrically conductive lines that are deposited upon the flexible substrate. The electrically conductive lines transport electrical signals between the integrated circuitry and the transducer elements. After assembly, the flexible circuit is re-shapable into a final form such as, for example, a substantially cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A method for producing a membrane for a device, e.g. a microphone, includes providing a substrate is provided on which a counter electrode is disposed. A sacrificial layer is provided on a surface of the counter electrode facing away from the substrate. The surface of the sacrificial layer facing away from the counter electrode is structured to form a plurality of recesses in the surface to define one or several antistick elements and one or several corrugation grooves at the same time. Subsequently, a membrane material is deposited on the structured surface of the sacrificial layer. Then, the sacrificial layer is removed to form the membrane, which has one or several corrugation grooves and one or several antistick elements.

Abstract: A miniature microphone is provided.

Abstract: A loudspeaker for acoustic enclosure, in particular a tweeter or a medium-frequency loudspeaker, which consists of a spherical diaphragm with direct radiation, with a front side that is concave in relation to the spool, and onto which is attached at a certain level, for example at mid-height or approximately at mid-height, the moving spool so as to achieve an optimal mechanical coupling capable of reproducing frequencies lower than 1 kHz with a high efficiency. Material such as pure beryllium or a Be/Al alloy or similar alloys is used to make the diaphragm. Loudspeakers of the tweeter or medium type, especially for very high-fidelity acoustic enclosures.

Abstract: An edge (29) for supporting a diaphragm assembly (100) with respect to a frame (26) is bonded to the frame (26) along the outer periphery thereof and joined to a diaphragm (27) in a position more peripherally inward than a voice coil (28) along the inner periphery thereof. The edge (29) partly overlaps diaphragm (27). This structure allows downsizing of the speaker, without reducing the sizes of a permanent magnet (21) and the edge (29).

Abstract: A focused ultrasound transducer includes a first ultrasonic emitter and at least one metallic ultrasonic lens acoustically coupled thereto. The emitter generates ultrasonic energy that propagates along a beam path projecting therefrom. The at least one metallic ultrasonic lens is positioned at least partially in the beam path so that it can direct (e.g., focus, defocus, and/or collimate) in at least one direction (or along at least one plane) at least some of the ultrasonic energy propagating from the emitter. The metallic lens may be formed by extrusion, by molding (e.g., diecast molding or thermoforming), or by sintering (e.g., powder metallurgy). The metallic lens also advantageously functions as a heat sink, improving thermal performance of the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical transducer (such as a cMUT) is disclosed. The transducer has a base, a spring layer placed over the base, and a mass layer connected to the spring layer through a spring-mass connector. The base includes a first electrode. The spring layer or the mass layer includes a second electrode. The base and the spring layer form a gap therebetween and are connected through a spring anchor. The mass layer provides a substantially independent spring mass contribution to the spring model without affecting the equivalent spring constant. The mass layer also functions as a surface plate interfacing with the medium to improve transducing performance. Fabrication methods to make the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for forming a vertical coupling structure for non-adjacent resonators is provided to have a first and a second resonators, a dielectric material layer, a first and a second high-frequency transmission lines and at least one via pole. The first and the second resonators respectively have a first and a second opposite metal surfaces. The dielectric material layer is disposed between the opposite second metal surfaces of the first and the second resonators. The first and the second transmission lines are respectively arranged at sides of the first metal surfaces of the first resonator and the second resonator. The first high-frequency transmission line is vertically connected to the second high-frequency transmission line by the via pole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic piezoelectric material film which has little contaminants and has excellent piezoelectric properties. The organic piezoelectric material film is produced by a solution casting process using, as raw materials, a raw material for an organic piezoelectric material and a crushed product which is produced by crushing a material produced by a solution casting process and is mainly composed of an organic piezoelectric material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic piezoelectric material film which has little contaminants and has excellent piezoelectric properties. The organic piezoelectric material film is produced by casting a solution of an organic piezoelectric material in an organic solvent and subsequently drying the resulting product. The organic piezoelectric material film has a moisture content of 0.1 mass % or less.

Abstract: Provided is an electromechanical transducer device including a substrate that is conductive, and a plurality of electromechanical transducer elements disposed on a first surface of the substrate. A groove that electrically isolates the plurality of electromechanical transducer elements from each other is formed in the substrate, the groove extending from a second surface side of the substrate toward the first surface side of the substrate, the second surface being opposite the first surface. The width of the groove on the first surface side of the substrate is smaller than the width of the groove on the second surface side of the substrate.

Abstract: A seal consists of an annular thermoplastic body having a relatively thinner annular base and a relatively thicker, compressible annular bead. The annular body has a shape that corresponds to a mounting surface of a loudspeaker. A surface of a rim of a loudspeaker basket is placed in contact with a mold to form a substantially annular cavity, a melted thermoplastic material is injected at low-pressure into the cavity to form a seal adhered to the surface.

Abstract: An intravascular ultrasonic imaging catheter is provided with a flexible circuit electrically coupled to a transducer array mounted on the distal end of the catheter, a portion of the flexible circuit being helically wound about the catheter in order to enhance the flexibility of the circuit. The catheter may be a balloon catheter which is also provided with a stent mounted on the balloon, the stent carrying one or more drugs designed to be eluted or washed into a patient's blood stream after the stent has been delivered, by a the balloon catheter, into a target area within the patient's vascular system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnet assembly (1) for a transducer unit of the type having a moving membrane and having a voice coil arranged into said magnet assembly, said magnet assembly comprising the components i) a T-yoke (2); and ii) a magnet system (4); and iii) a top plate (6). The magnet assembly according to the invention has a specific design which provides for improved characteristics as to strength of B field in the gap between the top plate and the T-yoke, as well as to homogeneity of the B field in the gap and degree of symmetry in the roll-off behaviour of the B field in either axially direction of the gap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver. The loudspeaker assembly can be used to replace ceiling tiles having any size or configuration, and can also me mounted in other surfaces, such as ceiling walls, floors, table tops, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a loudspeaker assembly is provided. In accordance with at least one embodiment, a method is provided for mounting a loudspeaker driver in a loudspeaker driver aperture defined in a ground plane and installing a grille in relation to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases as the distance from the loudspeaker driver increases. In accordance with at least one embodiment, apparatus is provided comprising a ground plane, a loudspeaker driver mounted in a loudspeaker driver aperture of the ground plane, and a grille positioned relative to the ground plane such that a distance between the grille and the ground plane decreases with increasing distance from the loudspeaker driver.

Abstract: A housing for a hearing aid appliance includes a housing shell which is made, at least in a partial region, from a material which forms a smooth exterior surface in the partial region. Recesses are formed in the material beneath the smooth exterior surface. A material layer located between the recesses and the exterior surface has such a layer thickness that the material layer is at least semitransparent for light, as a result of which the recesses are visible through the material layer when the housing shell is illuminated. A hearing aid appliance having such a housing shell is also provided as well as a method for producing such a housing shell for which a rapid-prototyping process is employed and by which the recesses are produced by not solidifying the starting material there.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a piezoelectric resonator element from a substrate made of piezoelectric material is provided. The method includes forming a first dry etching mask in a first masking region of a first surface of the substrate in a first mask forming process and performing a first dry etching process to remove a portion of the substrate in areas between the first dry etching mask after the first mask forming process. The method further includes maintaining a first un-etched portion of the substrate between the first dry etching mask after the first dry etching process and removing the first dry etching mask in a mask removing process after the first dry etching process. A wet etching process is performed to remove the first un-etched portion of the substrate after the mask removing process, thereby forming the piezoelectric resonator element.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer includes an array of PZT elements mounted on a non-recessed distal surface of a backing block. Between each element and the backing block is a conductive region formed as a portion of a metallic layer sputtered onto the distal surface. Traces on a longitudinally extending circuit board—preferably, a substantially rigid printed circuit board, which may be embedded within the block—connect the conductive region, and thus the PZT element, with any conventional external ultrasound imaging system. A substantially “T” or “inverted-L” shaped electrode is thereby formed for each element, with no need for soldering. At least one longitudinally extending metallic member mounted on a respective lateral surface of the backing block forms a heat sink and a common electrical ground. A thermally and electrically conductive layer, such as of foil, transfers heat from at least one matching layer mounted on the elements to the metallic member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stator (24) for an electrostatic loudspeaker in which at least a part of a structure (28) for forming the stator (24) is moulded from an electrically insulating material. This structure (28) may be a frame of the stator. To complete the stator (24), electrically conductive portions (30) are combined with the moulded structure to form a complete structure that includes an electrically conductive grid (29). The electrically conductive portions (30) may be a preformed grid (29). The frame (28) and the grid (29) may be pressfitted together. Alternatively the moulded structure may be electrically conductive, and electrically insulating portions may be combined with it to form a complete stator. Manufacture of electrostatic loudspeaker stators using a moulding process allows for relatively low cost production methods that can repeatedly achieve a required high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: A method of forming a micromechanical resonator includes forming a resonator body anchored to a substrate by at least a first anchor. This resonator body may include a semiconductor or other first material having a negative temperature coefficient of elasticity (TCE). A two-dimensional array of spaced-apart trenches are provided in the resonator body. These trenches may be filled with an electrically insulating or other second material having a positive TCE. The array of trenches may extend uniformly across the resonator body, including regions in the body that have relatively high and low mechanical stress during resonance. This two-dimensional array (or network) of trenches can be modeled as a network of mass-spring systems with springs in parallel and/or in series with respect to a direction of a traveling acoustic wave within the resonator body during resonance.

Abstract: A method of collective fabrication of remotely interrogatable sensors, each sensor comprising at least one first resonator and one second resonator, each resonator comprising acoustic wave transducers designed such that they exhibit respectively a first and a second operating frequency, is provided.

Abstract: An in-canal hearing device includes a receiver, battery, and microphone assembly with a housing. The housing has an air and sound opening which is covered with a structure to inhibit the entry of cerumen and moisture. The structure may be in the form of an end cap having passages with walls which are both hydrophobic and oleophobic to prevent the entry of water, cerumen and other liquids. The structure may also include a flexible tube or a rigid perforated shell surrounding the passages that inhibit the deposition of solid cerumen and other debris onto the passages.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave device is enable to prevent electrode erosion, without any specific environmental process. The surface acoustic wave device includes a piezoelectric substrate, an electrode for the formation of surface acoustic wave, being formed on the piezoelectric substrate, on the piezoelectric substrate, a frame-shaped layer surrounding the electrode for the formation of surface acoustic wave, and a lid body formed on the frame-shaped layer by bonding, so as to form a hollow portion between the lid body and the electrode for the formation of surface acoustic wave. The frame-shaped layer and the lid body include photosensitive resin, and the lid body includes a through hole, and the through hole is sealed with a halogen-free thermosetting resin.

Abstract: In the present invention, a semiconductor substrate wherein a plurality of MEMS microphones is formed is disposed opposed to a discharge electrode in a state of being stuck on a sheet. Electretization of a dielectric film provided in the MEMS microphone is performed by irradiating the dielectric film between a fixed electrode and a vibration film provided in the MEMS microphone with ions resulting from a corona discharge of the discharge electrode in a state that a predetermined potential difference is applied to the fixed electrode and the vibration film and fixing charges based on the ions to the dielectric film. The electretization is successively performed to each MEMS microphone on the semiconductor substrate by relatively moving the semiconductor substrate and the discharge electrode. Therefore, electretization of the dielectric film in the MEMS microphone chip is realized using a low-cost and simple fabricating equipment and productivity can be enhanced.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric thin film device of the present invention, the degree of flexibility is enhanced in selection of a piezoelectric material constituting a piezoelectric thin film and the crystal orientation in the piezoelectric thin film. A piezoelectric thin film filter, including four film bulk acoustic resonators, has a configuration where a filter section for providing a filter function of the piezoelectric thin film filter is bonded with a flat base substrate mechanically supporting the filter section via an adhesive layer. In manufacturing of the piezoelectric thin film filter, a piezoelectric thin film is obtained by performing removal processing on a piezoelectric substrate, but the piezoelectric thin film obtained by removal processing cannot independently stand up under its own weight. For this reason, a prescribed member including the piezoelectric substrate is previously bonded to the base substrate as a support prior to the removal processing.