Abstract: A capacitor includes a first metal layer disposed on a wafer or substrate, a first polarized dielectric layer above the first metal layer and comprising a plurality of electrets formed by aligning molecular dipoles throughout a three-dimensional surface area of a polarizable dielectric material during polarization by applying a momentary electric field of positive or negative polarity, a second metal layer disposed on the first polarized dielectric layer to electrically isolate the first polarized dielectric layer, and a second polarized dielectric layer above the second metal layer, the second polarized dielectric layer comprising a plurality of electrets formed by aligning molecular dipoles throughout a three-dimensional surface area of a polarizable dielectric material during polarization by applying a second momentary electric field of opposing polarity.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent material includes a component that creates a localized electric field and a porous material where adsorption occurs, wherein the localized electric field extends into the porous material. The localized electric field created by the component controls adsorption properties of the porous material. The porous material may be microporous. The component may include ferroelectric material including a ?-phase of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and wherein the porous material may include any of zeolites, silicas, activated carbons, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOFs may include any of HKUST-1, UiO-66, and UiO-66-NH2. The ?-phase of PVDF and the HKUST-1 may be electrospun together. The ?-phase of PVDF includes aligned polymer chains that create the localized electric field extending within the porous material.

Abstract: A composite adsorbent material includes a component that creates a localized electric field and a porous material where adsorption occurs, wherein the localized electric field extends into the porous material. The localized electric field created by the component controls adsorption properties of the porous material. The porous material may be microporous. The component may include ferroelectric material including a ?-phase of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), and wherein the porous material may include any of zeolites, silicas, activated carbons, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs), and metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOFs may include any of HKUST-1, UiO-66, and UiO-66-NH2. The ?-phase of PVDF and the HKUST-1 may be electrospun together. The ?-phase of PVDF includes aligned polymer chains that create the localized electric field extending within the porous material.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic transducer including: a semiconductor substrate; a vibrating membrane provided above the semiconductor substrate, including a vibrating electrode; and a fixed membrane provided above the semiconductor substrate, including a fixed electrode, the acoustic transducer detecting a sound wave according to changes in capacitances between the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode, converting the sound wave into electrical signals, and outputting the electrical signals. At least one of the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode is divided into a plurality of divided electrodes, and the plurality of divided electrodes outputting the electrical signals.

Abstract: Provided is an acoustic transducer including: a semiconductor substrate; a vibrating membrane provided above the semiconductor substrate, including a vibrating electrode; and a fixed membrane provided above the semiconductor substrate, including a fixed electrode, the acoustic transducer detecting a sound wave according to changes in capacitances between the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode, converting the sound wave into electrical signals, and outputting the electrical signals. At least one of the vibrating electrode and the fixed electrode is divided into a plurality of divided electrodes, and the plurality of divided electrodes outputting the electrical signals.

Abstract: In an electrodynamic acoustic transducer which uses a surface potential of an electret dielectric film as a polarization voltage, prevention of partial suctional adhesion of a diaphragm caused by variation in surface potential across the electret dielectric film is ensured in a simple way. In an electrodynamic acoustic transducer including a diaphragm and a fixed pole which are arranged with a predetermined interval so as to face each other, a facing surface of either one of the diaphragm and the fixed pole having an electret dielectric film, a surface of the electret dielectric film is divided into a plurality of segment regions, and a predetermined surface potential is given to each of the segment regions by a polarization processing unit.

Abstract: A filter for an electronics cooling unit of a telecommunications base station, the electronics cooling unit adapted to receive fresh air into a housing of the cooling unit through an opening communicating with the external environment. The filter includes a structural support configured to be mounted to said housing, a gasket sealingly engaging the structural support and adapted to engage the housing; and a filter media supported by the structural support, the filter media being free of a membrane type layer and including a fiber entanglement selected to prevent ingress of water sufficient to pass a salt fog test consistent with GR-487-CORE and in accordance with ASTM B 117.

Abstract: The invention relates to a thermal insulation device comprising at least one panel (100) defining a gas-tight chamber (104) containing at least two flexible films (150, 160) suitable for being selectively switched between two states: one of thermal conduction wherein said flexible films (150, 160) are at least partially in mutual contact, and the other of thermal insulation wherein the flexible films (150, 160) are separated, under the influence of pressure variations in said gas-tight chamber (104), applied by fluid control means (170), characterized in that, in the thermal insulation state, the distance separating the flexible films (150, 160) is shorter than the average free path of the gas molecules in the space (158) defined between said flexible films (150, 160). The invention also relates to a method.

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 method of manufacturing an electrical device comprises the steps of providing a substrate, providing an electrical component on the substrate, providing a first electrical contact on the substrate that is electrically connected to the electrical component, and providing an electrochemical cell on or integrating the substrate for providing electrical energy to said electrical component. The electrochemical cell comprises at least one electrochemical layer comprising a cured or dried ink and a first electrode contact electrically connected to said at least one electrochemical layer. The method further includes the step of securing the electrochemical cell to the substrate through an electrically conductive connection that provides both a structural connection and an electrical connection between the first electrical contact and the first electrode contact.

Abstract: An electret-structure encompasses a fluorine-resin film 21, an electrode 22 formed on one surface of the fluorine-resin film 21, and a silica layer 21 formed on another surface of the fluorine-resin film 21. The silica layer 21 is implemented by a plurality of island-shaped silica regions 201 for covering the fluorine-resin film 21 in a topology such that the island-shaped silica regions 201 are isolated from each other. And negative charges are deposited on the island-shaped silica regions 201. The static-induction conversion element with the electret-structure 1 can be mounted on a substrate by reflow-process through Pb-free solder.

Abstract: To provide a shield film which is capable of suitably shielding electric field waves, magnetic field waves, and electromagnetic waves progressing from one side to the other side of the shield film and has good transmission characteristics, a shielded printed wiring board, and a method for manufacturing the shield film, a metal layer 3 which is 0.5 ?m to 12 ?m thick and an anisotropic conductive adhesive layer 4 which is anisotropic so as to be electrically conductive only in thickness directions are provided in a deposited manner, so that electric field waves, magnetic field waves, and electromagnetic waves progressing from one side to the other side of the shield film are suitably shielded.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrophoretic display device includes forming partition walls for defining a plurality of pixel regions on a lower substrate; filling charged particles into the plurality of pixel regions; filling a pixel solvent in the plurality of pixel regions having been filled with the charged particles; and attaching the lower substrate and an upper substrate to each other.

Abstract: A method of making a nonfluoropolymer electret film is provided. The method may include: providing a polymer-containing solution, the polymer-containing solution comprising at least one polymer material, at least one solvent, and at least one surfactant, spreading the polymer-containing solution to provide a wetting polymer film, removing at least a portion of the solvent in the wetting polymer film to provide a polymer film, and conducting a Corona charging to the polymer film to form the electret film.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting mechanical vibrational energy into electrical power includes first and second collecting electrodes configured for connection to terminals of an electrical load, and an electret placed facing the first electrode. The electret is mounted so as to move relative to the first electrode in one degree-of-freedom in a plane. Relative movement between the electret and the first electrode induces a potential difference across the electrodes. The electret has a continuous layer and a series of protrusions, each of which extends perpendicular to the plane. These protrusions are distributed in the degree-of-freedom with a first pitch, which is smaller than the travel between the first electrode and the electret. The first electrode has faces facing the electret. These faces are distributed in the degree-of-freedom with a second pitch identical to the first pitch.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electret diaphragms is provided. First, a dielectric film is attached to a frame by an adhesive material and a fastening element grips the peripheral area of the dielectric film on the frame. Afterward, the dielectric film is subjected to a metal sputtering process to form a conductive material layer thereon. Finally, the dielectric film is subjected to a polarizing process thereby forming an electret diaphragm.

Abstract: A tubular elastomer actuator with a shape in a cross-sectional view which shape exposes at most one single axis of symmetry of a specific length, e.g., an oval shape. The actuator could be made from a sheet made from a plurality of plate shaped elements which are laminated together and rolled. Each plate shaped element may have a corrugation that gives the element an anisotropic structure, and contains an electrode on only one surface. The actuator displacement is the result of shrinkage displacement of the plate shaped elements upon the application of electrical field across their thickness.

Abstract: Methods of preparing polymeric webs include hot melt blending of thermoplastic resins and processing aids. The process aids include hindered amine N-substituted succinimide oligomers. The webs prepared from the blends may be in the form of films or non-woven fibrous webs. Non-woven microfiber webs are useful as filtration media. Among the polymeric webs produced are electret webs. The processing aids also function as charge-enhancing additives for the electret webs.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for hydrodischarging and hydrocharging substrates and articles to produce enhanced ability to avoid attraction of contaminants or improved capability of removing contaminants from fluids are disclosed. In another form the method involves removal of electric charges or neutralization of charge on or within substrates. Also disclosed are methods of making using electret substrates and articles for removing particulates and mists from fluid streams.

Abstract: A first wiring board, which is a flexible printed-circuit board, is bonded to a second wiring board. A plurality of protruding member are formed on the surface of the second wiring board. An adhesive is deposited on the surface of the second wiring board such that there is a thinner layer of the adhesive on the protruding member than in other areas. Subsequently, the first wiring board is placed on the second wiring board so that a portion of the first wiring board to be used for the wire-bonding is positioned above at least one of the protruding members. The first wiring board gets bonded to the second wiring board due to the adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a push-pull type electrostatic ultrasonic transducer, particularly, an electrostatic ultrasonic transducer capable of generating usual sound pressure with lower energy, and thereby, reducing voltage (lowering power); wherein the spacing between the electrodes and vibrating film is set to a specific distance.

Abstract: An electrostatic drive having at least three intermediate frames, each two adjacent intermediate frames being connected to one another via at least one intermediate spring whose longitudinal directions lie on a first axis of rotation, and intermediate electrode fingers being situated on frame girders oriented parallel to the first axis of rotation of the intermediate frames, and having an outer frame that surrounds the intermediate frames and that is connected to the outermost intermediate frame via at least one outer spring whose longitudinal direction lies on a second axis of rotation that is oriented non-parallel to the first axis of rotation, and outer electrode fingers being situated on frame girders oriented parallel to the second axis of rotation of the outer frame and of the outermost intermediate frame of the at least three intermediate frames.

Abstract: A capacitive microphone and method of fabricating the same are provided. One or more holes can be formed in a first printed circuit board (PCB). A diaphragm can be surface micro-machined onto an interior surface of the first PCB at a region having the one or more holes. Interface electronics can also be interconnected to the interior surface of the PCB. One or more spacer PCBs can be attached to a second PCB to the first PCB, such that appropriate interconnections between interconnect vias are made. The second PCB and first PCB with spacers in between can be attached so as to create a cavity in which the diaphragm and interface electronics are located.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing electret diaphragms is provided. First, a dielectric film is attached to a frame by an adhesive material and a fastening element grips the peripheral area of the dielectric film on the frame. Afterward, the dielectric film is subjected to a metal sputtering process to form a conductive material layer thereon. Finally, the dielectric film is subjected to a polarizing process thereby forming an electret diaphragm.

Abstract: A patterned dielectric elastomer actuator is disclosed which includes a series of thin parallel elastomer filaments, separated by certain distances sandwiched between a pair of rigid electrodes. The elastomer filaments and air acts as a patterned dielectric layer. The elastomer filaments can compress laterally from a circular cross-section to an elliptical shape when a voltage is applied between the rigid electrodes. The elastomer filaments can touch laterally, which implies no further squeezing in order to provide a minimal secure distance between the rigid electrodes. The dielectric elastomer actuator can be fabricated utilizing a reel-to-reel fabrication process with the thin elastomer filaments fabricated ahead of time, by extrusion techniques and cured completely before storing on reels.

Abstract: A diaphragm assembly used for a condenser microphone has a diaphragm made of a resin film including a metallized film on one surface of a supporter ring. The diaphragm is made by a first step of bonding a ring jig of a larger diameter than the supporter ring to the resin film having the metallized film composed of a ductile metallic material on the one surface via an adhesive without exerting tension on the resin film; a second step of heating and contracting the resin film bonded to the ring jig without applying the tension at a temperature over a glass transition point of a film material; and a third step of bonding the supporter ring to the resin film via an adhesive in a state of exerting predetermined tension on the resin film. The diaphragm assembly is cut out of the resin film after the adhesive becomes hardened.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer actuator and a method for manufacturing the electroactive polymer actuator are provided. The electroactive polymer actuator includes an actuator unit which is a laminate of a plurality of deformation layers; and a support layer which supports the actuator unit so that the actuator unit provides displacement corresponding to a voltage if the voltage is applied to the actuator unit. Therefore, it is possible to provide an electroactive polymer actuator suitable for a compact mobile device with a low driving voltage.

Abstract: A method for producing an electret capacitor microphone high in sensitivity and stable in acoustic characteristic. A PET film stretched with predetermined tension is bonded to a diaphragm support ring to perform stretch and fixation of a diaphragm to produce a diaphragm sub-assembly. The diaphragm sub-assembly is heated at a predetermined temperature (e.g. 200° C.) higher than a second order transition point of PET. Then, the diaphragm sub-assembly is packed in a housing. Because the diaphragm sub-assembly is heated at the predetermined temperature before packed in the housing, the stiffness of the diaphragm is reduced. Because the stiffness of the diaphragm 26 is reduced in such a manner, the tension at the time of stretch and fixation of the diaphragm can be set to a large value to prevent the diaphragm from being crinkled.

Abstract: Methods for injecting charge include providing a target comprising a first layer on a second layer, coupling a conductive base to the second layer, and providing a medium which is in contact with at least a portion of the first layer. An electrode is positioned to face and is spaced from the first layer and is at least partially in contact with the medium. An electric field is provided across the first and second layers to inject charge to an interface between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: An electrostatic interaction system includes a first structure having a first fixed electrostatic charge and a second structure having a second fixed electrostatic charge. The polarity of the first and second fixed electrostatic charges determines a positional relationship of the first structure to the second structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer electret that can endure a high temperature so as to be processed by surface mount technology (SMT) and has ultra-high charge stability and a method of manufacturing thereof are provided. The multi-layer electret is constructed in such a manner that an FET film of 12.5 &mgr;m˜25 &mgr;m in thickness melting-adheres to a surface of a metal plate, and a PTFE film of 30 &mgr;m˜100 &mgr;m in thickness melting-adheres to the surface of the FEP film.

Abstract: An electret formed by micro-machining technology on a support surface, including a self-powered electret sound transducer, preferably in the form of a microphone, formed by micro-machining technology. Each microphone is manufactured as a two-piece unit, comprising a microphone membrane unit and a microphone back plate, at least one of which includes an electret formed by micro-machining technology. When juxtaposed, the two units form a microphone that can produce a signal without the need for external biasing, thereby reducing system volume and complexity. The electret material used is a thin film of spin-on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). An electron gun preferably is used for charge implantation. The electret has a saturated charged density in the range of about 2×10−5 C/m2 to about 8×10−4 C/m2. Thermal annealing is used to stabilize the implanted charge. An open circuit sensitivity of about 0.5 mV/Pa has been achieved for a hybrid microphone package.

Abstract: A resonator includes a member with an embedded charge, at least one input electrode, at least one output electrode, and at least one common electrode. The input and output electrodes are spaced from and on substantially opposing sides of the member from the common electrode. At least one of the member and the input and output electrodes is movable with respect to the other.

Abstract: An electret device. The device has a thickness of substrate material having a contact region. An electrically floating conducting region is formed overlying the thickness of substrate material. The floating conducting region is free from physical contact with the contact region. A protective layer is formed overlying the floating conductive layer. The protective layer has a surface region and seals the floating conducting region. The thickness of substrate material, floating conducting region, and protective layer form a sandwiched structure having a charge density of at least 1×10−4 Coulombs/m2 and a peak to peak charge uniformity of 5% and less.

Abstract: A novel structure comprising two substrates disposed closely each other, in which an organic molecular layer is formed on the surface of at least one substrate wherein the gap between the surface of the organic molecular layer on one substrate and the surface of the other substrate or the surface of the organic molecular layer on the other substrate is maintained to be usually less than 1000 &mgr;m, preferably less than 1 &mgr;m is provided. A motor, actuator, and vibration-absorbing table comprising such structure are also provided.

Abstract: A resonator includes a member with an embedded charge, at least one input electrode, at least one output electrode, and at least one common electrode. The input and output electrodes are spaced from and on substantially opposing sides of the member from the common electrode. At least one of the member and the input and output electrodes is movable with respect to the other.

Abstract: Electrets can be produced from cycloolefin copolymers (COCs), and charges applied thereto are stable for long periods, even at high temperatures and high relative humidities. The reduction here in a positive charge applied to the COCs is smaller than that of negative charges applied to the COCs. The stability over time of the charges applied is impaired by adding polar additives, such as inorganic silicon compounds. Films, fibers or nonwovens produced from electrets can be processed to give filters.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for simultaneously producing a plurality of capacitive electroacoustic transducers. The method comprises forming a plurality of electrically insulative substrates by cutting circular slots to an insulating wafer. Each slot is interrupted by at least two tabs connecting a circular area with the remainder of the wafer. The conductive diaphragms are supported on diaphragm mounting rings disposed upon the substrate, spaced from a first electrode. The mounting rings space the diaphragm from the electrode to define a capacitor operative to convert electrical and acoustical signals.

Abstract: A folded dielectric film element is provided which converts energy. The film element includes at least one dielectric film that is bent into folds and provided with electrodes. The electrodes are arranged in the folds so that different electrodes are placed in successive folds. The strength of an electric field increases in one fold and decreases in a successive fold.

Abstract: To manufacture a thin sheet electret of small size having charge distributed in very uniform manner, even at its edges, use is made of a device comprising a grounded electrode (2) for supporting a dielectric (1) to be charged, means for generating ions (3) in the vicinity of the dielectric, a grid (4) extending parallel to the surface to be charged of the dielectric, at a small distance from said face, and raised to an electric potential different from ground potential and a conductive frame (7) that is insulated from the electrode and that is electrically connected to the grid, said frame surrounding the dielectric and forming a single block with the electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for manufacturing a liquid crystal display device.