Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention may include, for example, systems, devices, and methods for power generation using a permanent magnet and/or an electro magnet installed on a twisted band wheel or wheels and/or installed on stationary discs and plates. Due to magnetic field forces for example between the stationary discs and the twisted band, the twisted band may be driven to move (e.g., rotate), rotation of the twisted band is optionally transferred by an axle to a generator.

Abstract: An electrostatic machine includes a drive electrode and a stator electrode. The drive electrode and the stator electrode are separated by a gap and form a capacitor. The drive electrode is configured to move with respect to the stator electrode. The electrostatic machine further includes a housing configured to enclose the drive electrode and the stator electrode. The stator electrode is fixed to the housing. The electrostatic machine also includes a dielectric fluid that fills a void defined by the housing, the drive electrode, and the stator electrode. The dielectric fluid includes an ester.

Abstract: Proposed is an actuator using a bi-directional electrostatic force, which generates a bi-directional electrostatic force in order to amplify and vibrate the vibration of a vibrator. The actuator may include an upper electrostatic force generator configured to generate a first electrostatic force in response to a first high voltage signal, a lower electrostatic force generator configured to generate a second electrostatic force in response to a second high voltage signal having a phase difference with the first high voltage signal, and a vibration generator positioned in a space between the upper electrostatic force generator and the lower electrostatic force generator and configured to generate vibration in response to the first and second electrostatic forces.

Abstract: A generator/controller for electrostatic motors exploits properties of a delta-connected electrostatic motor to accommodate high common mode DC offset voltages thus permitting construction of an electrostatic drive circuit outputting unipolar sinusoidal power and having a substantial reduction in the complexity and size.

Abstract: Provided is a small-sized electrostatic motor having a rotor capable of starting reliably to rotate forward. The electrostatic motor includes a rotor rotatable around a rotating shaft, charged portions formed radially around the rotating shaft on upper and lower surfaces of the rotor, first and second stators disposed to sandwich the rotor therebetween, and first sets and second sets of fixed electrodes respectively formed radially around the rotating shaft on the surfaces of the first and second stators facing the rotor and selectively energized according to drive pulses to rotate the rotor by electrostatic force generated between the charged portions and the fixed electrodes. The average number of sets of fixed electrodes simultaneously energized in one cycle of the drive pulses out of the first sets and second sets of fixed electrodes is equal to the average of the numbers of first sets and second sets of fixed electrodes.

Abstract: Actuator apparatus for generating a physical effect, at least one attribute of which corresponds to at least one characteristic of a digital input signal sampled periodically in accordance with a sampling clock, the apparatus comprising at least one actuator device, each actuator device including an array of moving elements, wherein each individual moving element is operative to be constrained to travel alternately back and forth along a respective axis responsive to an individual first electrostatic force operative thereupon, wherein each moving element has an at-rest position and is driven away from its at rest position solely by the first electrostatic force; and at least one electrode operative to apply a controlled temporal sequence of potential differences with at least one individual moving element from among the array of moving elements thereby to selectably generate the first electrostatic force; and a controller operative to receive the digital input signal and to control at least one of the at leas

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an electrostatic induction transducer, the method including: providing a conductive substrate; providing a first electret material film on a first surface of the conductive substrate; providing a second electret material film on a second surface of the conductive substrate; forming a through hole that penetrates the conductive substrate, the first electret material film, and the second electret material film; mounting a supported member being conductive to the conductive substrate while allowing the conductive substrate to move in an in-plane direction; and applying charges to the first electret material film and the second electret material film by a charging process.

Abstract: A device for converting kinetic energy of a fluid to electrical energy is disclosed. The device comprises a flow chamber having an inlet port for a fluid and an exhaust port for the fluid. A pair of charge collecting electrodes is spaced apart from each other along a collection direction and disposed within the flow chamber. An electric field generator is configured to generate an electric field in the flow chamber along a field direction to separate charged species in the fluid. A flow path of the fluid between the inlet port and the exhaust port may have a flow direction with a component along the first direction and a component along the second direction. Also disclosed is a system comprising the device and a related method. The disclosure may find application, for example, in providing a source of energy for an electric vehicle.

Abstract: An electrostatic motor includes a cylindrical rotor and a stator. Electrodes are disposed on an inside cylindrical surface of the stator. Electrets and/or electrically conductive electrodes are disposed on the cylindrical rotor and a dielectric fluid fills space between the rotor and the stator to prevent discharge of the electrets. A mask is used to charge portions of an electret cylinder or other curved surface.

Abstract: A modular beam amplifier for use in generating high power beams of particles in systems such as a spacecraft propulsion engine, comprising a distributed DC power generator including a plurality of DC generator cells connected in series to each other and a plurality of power taps at different points between the DC generator cells, an ion injector producing a particle beam and a plurality of amplifier modules in series with each other and coaxial with the particle beam. Each amplifier module in the plurality of amplifier modules includes a focus lens and a plurality of annular amplifier plates. Each amplifier plate pairs with and connects to a power tap. The plurality of DC generator cells is physically arranged in a serpentine arrangement of connected rows to minimize the physical length of the distributed DC power generator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and an apparatus using microfluidic channel array for converting mechanical energy into electric energy by streaming potential and streaming current caused when the electrolyte liquid flows in a charged surface due to a pressure drop. The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for designing channels with hierarchical structure in which a primary multi-channel is provided by radially arranging one or more unit channels, and each of the unit channels includes an inflow channel, an outflow channel, and a secondary multi-channel provided by arranging one or more channels in parallel, thereby improving output power and flow stability.

Abstract: Triboelectric nanogenerators that operate in a vertical contact separation mode and methods for fabricating the triboelectric generators are provided. Also provided are methods for using the triboelectric nanogenerators to harvest mechanical energy and convert it into electric energy. In the TENGs, one or both of the triboelectrically active layers comprises a cellulose that has been chemically treated to alter its electron affinity.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for an electrostatic machine are provided. In one embodiment, an electrostatic machine may be configured to have an electric field motor, a rotor assembly and a motor drive, wherein the improvement may include generating at least three watts (3 W) of power with a product of a gap pressure (pgap) and a gap distance (dgap) of less than ninety megapascals-micrometer (90 MPa*um).

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting complex electric fields and static electric fields to effect motion are disclosed. An example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting a relative velocity electric field based on charge of a moving first charged object and a static charge on a second charged object in a different inertial frame of reference. Another example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting an acceleration generated electric field based on acceleration of a first charged object and a static charge on a second charged object in a different inertial frame of reference. Another example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting a scalar electric potential and static electric field.

Abstract: An x-ray device utilizes a band of material to exchange charge through tribocharging within a chamber maintained at low fluid pressure. The charge is utilized to generate x-rays within the housing, which may pass through a window of the housing. Various contact rods may be used as part of the tribocharging process.

Abstract: An electrostatic energy-harvesting device is provided. The electrostatic energy-harvesting device with a 3-dimensional cone shape includes a first structure including a first substrate having a cone shape with an opened lower surface and a hollow inside, and a first rubbing electrified body disposed on an outer surface of the first substrate; a second structure including a second substrate having the same shape as the first substrate and a second rubbing electrified body which includes a material having opposite electrification characteristics to the first rubbing electrified body and disposed on an inner surface of the second substrate; and leader lines connected to each of the first rubbing electrified body and the second rubbing electrified body.

Abstract: A dielectric fluid includes a first liquid having first dielectric constant and conductivity values. The dielectric fluid also includes a second liquid having second dielectric constant and conductivity values. The first dielectric constant value is greater than the second dielectric constant value and the second electrical conductivity value is less than the first electrical conductivity value. The first and second liquids form an immiscible mixture that has third dielectric constant and conductivity values between the first and second dielectric constant values and the first and second electrical conductivity values, respectively. The first liquid forms a high conductivity phase representative of the first conductivity value, and the second liquid forms a low conductivity phase representative of the second conductivity value.

Abstract: An x-ray device utilizes a band of material to exchange charge through tribocharging within a chamber maintained at low fluid pressure. The charge is utilized to generate x-rays within the housing, which may pass through a window of the housing. Various contact rods may be used as part of the tribocharging process.

Abstract: A tunnel-effect power converter including first and second electrodes having opposite surfaces, wherein the first electrode includes protrusions extending towards the second electrode.

Abstract: A nanopositioning system for producing a coupling interaction between a first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle. A first MEMS positioning assembly includes an electrostatic comb drive actuator configured to selectively displace a first nanoparticle in a first dimension and an electrode configured to selectively displace the first nanoparticle in a second dimensions. Accordingly, the first nanoparticle may be selectively positioned in two dimensions to modulate the distance between the first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle that may be coupled to a second MEMS positioning assembly. Modulating the distance between the first and second nanoparticles obtains a coupling interaction between the nanoparticles that alters at least one material property of the nanoparticles applicable to a variety of sensing and control applications.

Abstract: A measurement device (100 . . . 103) for measuring the thickness (d) of a plate-shaped object (7) is indicated, which comprises a first measurement sensor (21 . . . 23) for being set onto a first surface (9) of the plate-shaped object (7) and a second to fourth measurement sensor (31 . . . 53) for being set onto a second surface (10), opposite to the first surface (9) of the plate-shaped object (7). Furthermore, the measurement device (100 . . . 103) comprises means for calculating the thickness (d) of the plate-shaped object (7), using the positions (81 . . . 84) at which the measurement sensors (21 . . . 53) touch the plate-shaped object (7). Furthermore, a measurement method for measuring the thickness (d) of a plate-shaped object (7) is also indicated.

Abstract: Systems and methods of interacting complex electric fields and static electric fields to effect motion are disclosed. An example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting a relative velocity electric field based on charge of a moving first charged object and a static charge on a second charged object in a different inertial frame of reference. Another example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting an acceleration generated electric field based on acceleration of a first charged object and a static charge on a second charged object in a different inertial frame of reference. Another example method includes producing an action force having a reaction force perpendicular to the action force by interacting a scalar electric potential and static electric field.

Abstract: A rotary actuator includes a stator on which a sensor surface is arranged and a rotor configured to rotate about the stator. The rotor forms an actuating surface for the sensor surface. An interval fixing device such as a rotationally fixed sliding disk is arranged between the actuating surface and the sensor surface. A spring is configured to press the sensor surface towards the actuating surface.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an energy conversion device comprises a nuclear battery, a light source coupled to the nuclear battery and operable to receive electric energy from the nuclear battery and radiate electromagnetic energy, and a photocell operable to receive the radiated electromagnetic energy and convert the received electromagnetic energy into electric energy. The nuclear battery comprises a radioactive substance and a collector operable to receive particles emitted by the radioactive substance.

Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are provided. The method of forming a MEMS structure includes forming a wiring layer on a substrate comprising actuator electrodes and a contact electrode. The method further includes forming a MEMS beam above the wiring layer. The method further includes forming at least one spring attached to at least one end of the MEMS beam. The method further includes forming an array of mini-bumps between the wiring layer and the MEMS beam.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a high voltage direct current using electric-field generators are disclosed. The electric field generator can comprise a rotor member, rotor poles coupled to the rotor member, stator poles corresponding to the rotor poles, and a dielectric medium positioned between the corresponding stator and rotor poles. The method can comprise applying an electric field between corresponding stator and rotor poles, receiving a mechanical energy input causing the rotor member to rotate, changing an alignment of the corresponding stator and rotor poles as a result of the rotation of the rotor member, increasing the voltage of the electric field between the corresponding stator and rotor poles as a result of the alignment change of the corresponding stator and rotor poles, and discharging the electric field to place a charge on a DC bus when the voltage of the electric field reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a temperature compensating structure including a first beam suspended from a substrate and a second beam suspended from the substrate. The first beam is formed from a first material having a first Young's modulus temperature coefficient. The second beam is formed from a second material having a second Young's modulus temperature coefficient. The body may include a routing spring suspended from the substrate. The routing spring may be coupled to the first beam and the second beam. The routing spring may be formed from the second material. The first beam and the second beam may have lower spring compliance than the routing spring. The MEMS device may be a resonator and the temperature compensating structure may have dimensions and a location such that the temperature compensation structure modifies a temperature coefficient of frequency of the resonator independent of a mode shape of the resonator.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: The device comprises a first actuating bump made from electrically conducting material with a first contact surface. A second actuating bump made from electrically conducting material is facing the first actuating bump. An electrostatic actuating circuit moves the actuating bumps with respect to one another between a first position and another position. The actuating circuit comprises a device for applying a higher potential on the second actuating bump than on the first actuating bump. A film of electrically insulating material performs electric insulation between the first and second bumps. The electrically insulating material film comprises an interface with a positive ion source and is permeable to said positive ions.

Abstract: An system for manufacturing a field emission structure is provided that involves a magnet supplying device and a magnet placement device for placing each of a plurality of magnets at a corresponding location of a plurality of locations of the field emission structure. The corresponding location and a corresponding orientation of each of the magnets relative to each other are defined in accordance with a code that specifies at least one magnet of the plurality of magnets having a first polarity orientation and at least one other magnet of the plurality of magnets having a second polarity orientation that is opposite from the first polarity orientation.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a device is provided that includes: a cascaded electrostatic actuator defining a stack in a substrate having a plurality of gaps between parallel plate electrodes; and a controller configured to drive the cascaded electrostatic actuator to open and close selected ones of the gaps.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a substrate and a vibrator. The vibrator includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer. The first conductive layer is arranged on a principal plane of the substrate and includes a first fixed electrode. The second conductive layer includes an upper electrode and a support electrode. The upper electrode is spaced apart from the first fixed electrode, has an area overlapping the first fixed electrode. The support electrode connects a second fixed electrode connected to the principal plane with one edge of the upper electrode. The upper electrode includes a plurality of driving electrodes divided by a slit-shaped notch extending in a direction from a vibration tip portion to a vibration base portion where the vibration base portion is the one edge of the upper electrode and the vibration tip portion is the other edge.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic system that extracts energy from a gas stream, which includes an injector that injects a first species of particles having the same polarity into the gas stream, wherein particle movement with the gas stream is opposed by a first electric field; an electric field generator that generates a second electric field opposing the first, such that the net electric field at a predetermined distance downstream from the injector is approximately zero; an upstream collector that collects a second species of particles having a polarity opposite the first particle species; a downstream collector that collects the charged particle; and a load coupled between the downstream collector and the upstream collector, wherein the load converts the kinetic energy of the gas stream into electric power.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuator including a supporting portion including a first electrode, a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode, and a part of a planar electrolyte member disposed therebetween, and having terminals configured to apply a voltage between the first and second electrodes; a displacement portion; and an intermediate portion disposed between the supporting portion and the displacement portion and including a third electrode on the electrolyte member and a conductive connecting member. The third electrode includes linear members and a conductive material. The linear members have major axes thereof extending in a direction crossing a direction from the supporting portion toward the displacement portion. The third electrode has conduction paths through which a current flows in the crossing direction. The conductive connecting member is electrically connected to one of the first and second electrodes and electrically connects the conduction paths together.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.

Abstract: Atmospheric Transduction System including a Power Frequency broadcast station, a receiver, and a network. The Power Frequency broadcast station includes a transmitter and a computer server. The receiver is in communication with the Power Frequency broadcast transmitter and also includes a user interface for receiving user input commands comprising a request for information from the Power Frequency broadcast station. The receiver is configured to establish a two-way communication path between the receiver and the Power Frequency broadcast transmitter. The network is in communication with the transducer, controller and the receiver for exchanging information therebetween. In response to oscillation translation and/or rotation of the electronic transducer, portions of forces induced by the mass are transferred to the piezoelectric elements. Electrical energy output by these piezoelectric elements is received in a power controller and can be applied to the battery as self charging.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube MEMS assembly comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes oriented into a patterned frame, the patterned frame defining at least two components of a MEMS device. An interstitial material at least partially binds adjacent carbon nanotubes one to another. At least one component of the frame is fixed and at least one component of the frame is movable relative to the fixed component.

Abstract: A MEMS system comprises a first rotational actuator having a first drive mechanism configured to drive rotation of a first rotator about a first axis, a second rotational actuator having a second drive mechanism configured to drive rotation of a second rotator about a second axis, first and second flexible linkages, a first drive beam coupled to the first rotator and to the first flexible linkage, a second drive beam coupled to the second rotator and to the second flexible linkage, and one or more device mounts coupled to the first and second flexible linkages. The one or more device mounts are configured to provide distributed points of attachment of a device. The rotation of the first and second rotators causes the device mount to rotate or piston.

Abstract: A vibration power generator including a first substrate; first electrodes disposed over one surface of the first substrate; a second substrate spaced from the first substrate and opposed to the one surface of the first substrate; and second electrodes disposed over one surface of the second substrate so as to be opposed to the first electrodes, wherein one of the first and second electrodes includes a film holding a charge; one of the first and second substrates is a vibratory substrate; and an overlapped area between the first and second electrodes becomes minimum and then maximum, or becomes maximum and minimum, and an electrostatic capacity Cp formed between the first and second electrodes when the overlapped area becomes maximum changes, and the change of Cp comprises an increase of Cp, while the vibratory substrate is displaced from the vibration center to the vibration end.

Abstract: Novel CMUT architectures are provided permitting independent addressability of both top and bottom CMUT electrodes. CMUT top electrodes are connected in strips along the x-direction, while CMUT bottom electrodes are connected in strips along the y-direction. In an embodiment, 3D imaging can be performed with an N×N 2D array using only N transmit channels and N receive channels.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical component and a method for producing a microelectromechanical component includes a charge-storing layer that has improved long-term stability. The charge-storing layer is completely enclosed by dielectric layers such that there is a high potential barrier between the charge-storing layer and the dielectric layers. During normal operation, it is not possible to overcome this high potential barrier and, as a result, the stored charge carriers are maintained over a very long period of time.

Abstract: An implantable device having a power source is provided. The power source uses reverse electrowetting technology to generate a charge to power the implantable device. The power source includes a flexible, non-conductive substrate having a first side and a second side opposite the first side with a channel between the first and second sides. Electrodes are arranged about the channel in a predefined pattern. A liquid is contained in the channel. The liquid includes a dielectric liquid and a conductive liquid that do not mix. The electric change is generated by moving the liquid back and forth across the electrodes. The force to pump or move the liquid is provided by organic means, such as, for example, the change in blood pressure between systolic and diastolic, the expansion and contraction of an organ, or the movement of a muscle.

Abstract: A vibration power generator 110 including a first fixed substrate 111L, a second fixed substrate 111U, a movable substrate 112 which is vibratory relative to the first and second fixed substrates, a plurality of first electrodes 119a formed over the second fixed substrate, a plurality of second electrodes 119b formed on the movable substrate and opposed to the first electrodes, wherein one of the first electrode 119a and the second electrode 119b includes a film holding a charge, is fixed to a rotating body such that the first fixed substrate 111L, the second fixed substrate 111U and the movable substrate 112 are perpendicular to a radial direction of the rotating body and the first fixed substrate is disposed nearer to a rotational axis side of the rotating body.

Abstract: A thermoelectric generator comprises an electrical circuit having two or more thermocouple junctions (600, 615), a switch (620), a controller (640), and a series resonant circuit consisting of a capacitor (625) and an inductor in the form of a transformer (630). The thermocouple junctions operate between two temperature reservoirs (605, 610) operating at temperatures T2 and T1, respectively, that are sufficiently different to enable the circuit to supply power to a load (635). Using sense lines (650, 655) the controller forces the switch to advance to the next throw at the proper time, forcing the circuit to operate at or near resonance. With each operation of the switch, one junction at a time is connected to the resonant circuit, while one or more junctions are left in an open-circuit condition. By allowing the temporarily disconnected junctions sufficient time to reach thermal equilibrium with the temperature reservoirs, isothermal equilibrium is achieved.

Abstract: A method for directly converting wind energy into electrical energy is provided. An air stream is ionized and then routed through the electrical field of a collection electrode providing an opposing field for the air ions. The ions are collected on a collection electrode. The electrical potential of the collection electrode is higher than the ionizer, and discharged. A counter-electrode in front of the collection electrode has an electrical potential higher than the collection electrode. Ionized air molecules overcome the electrical field emanating from the counter-electrode via wind power. An apparatus for carrying out the method is provided. An optional retaining electrode, located in front of the ionizer electrode, drives ionized air in the counter-electrode and collection electrode direction. The apparatus is expediently located in a flow channel, with inlet and outlet electrodes at respective ends. A plurality of flow channels combine to form a flow generation module.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrostatic drive having a stator electrode and an actuator electrode which are designed as multilayer electrodes having subunits includes: predeflecting the actuator electrode with respect to the stator electrode from its non-energized starting position into a first end position by applying a first potential to the first stator electrode subunit, and applying a second potential which is different from the first potential to the first actuator electrode subunit, and applying a third potential which is different from the first potential and the second potential, to the second stator electrode subunit and to the second actuator electrode subunit.

Abstract: An electro-hydrodynamic system including an energy harvester and an adjustable member, wherein the energy harvester includes a charge source including: an injector configured to emit particles into a wind stream and an electrode configured to charge the particles to a first polarity and to generate a first electric field. The adjustable member supports the energy harvester, and is configured to control a distance between electrical ground and at least one component of the energy harvester. A method for controlling the electric field magnitude of an electro-hydrodynamic system including placing an energy harvester comprising a charge source at a distance away from electrical ground, the distance being an equilibrium distance; receiving a first measurement of a parameter indicative of electric field magnitude near the charge source; and in response to the first measurement surpassing a threshold, increasing the distance between the energy harvester and electrical ground.

Abstract: The invention relates to a micromechanical device comprising a semiconductor element capable of deflecting or resonating and comprising at least two regions having different material properties and drive or sense means functionally coupled to said semiconductor element. According to the invention, at least one of said regions comprises one or more n-type doping agents, and the relative volumes, doping concentrations, doping agents and/or crystal orientations of the regions being configured so that the temperature sensitivities of the generalized stiffness are opposite in sign at least at one temperature for the regions, and the overall temperature drift of the generalized stiffness of the semiconductor element is 50 ppm or less on a temperature range of 100° C. The device can be a resonator. Also a method of designing the device is disclosed.

Abstract: An actuator is provided with a conductive polymer film portion, an electrode, and an electrolyte portion, and by detecting a waveform of a current that flows upon application of a voltage between the conductive polymer film portion and the electrode, a displacement amount of the actuator is detected so that based on the displacement amount thus detected, a voltage is applied to the conductive polymer film portion so that the displacement amount of the actuator is adjusted.

Abstract: A system for electro-hydrodynamically extracting energy from wind includes an upstream collector that is biased at an electric potential and induces an electric field. An injector introduces a particle into the electric field. The wind drag on the particle is at least partially opposed by a force of the electric field on the particle. A sensor monitors an ambient atmospheric condition, and a controller changes a parameter of the injector in response to a change in the atmospheric condition.