Abstract: A piezoelectric driving device includes a vibrating plate, a first piezoelectric vibrating body which is disposed on the first surface of the vibrating plate; a second piezoelectric vibrating body which is disposed on the second surface of the vibrating plate; and a protrusion which is provided on the vibrating plate and comes into contact with a body to be driven, wherein the first piezoelectric vibrating body and the second piezoelectric vibrating body have asymmetry that the first piezoelectric vibrating body and the second piezoelectric vibrating body are asymmetrical to each other with respect to the vibrating plate.

Abstract: A control methodology for scanning tunneling microscopy is disclosed. Instead of utilizing Integral-based control systems, the methodology utilizes a dual-control algorithm to direct relative advancement of a STM tip towards a sample. A piezo actuator and stepper motor advances an STM tip towards a sample at a given distance until measuring a current greater than or equal to a desired setpoint current. Readings of the contemporaneous step are analyzed to direct the system to change continue or change direction and also determine the size of each step. In simulations where Proportion and/or Integral control methodology was added to the algorithm the stability of the feedback control is decreased. The present methodology accounts for temperature variances in the environment and also appears to clean and protect the tip electrode, prolonging its useful life.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is connected in parallel with a diode, and outputs a power generation voltage when depressed. When the power generation voltage exceeds a first threshold voltage, a load switch control circuit makes a load switch be conductive, and when the generated voltage becomes lower than a second threshold voltage, the load switch is cut off. Further, when depression is released, the piezoelectric device is discharged by the diode such that the amount of charge remaining in the piezoelectric device becomes zero.

Abstract: A linear actuator especially for adjustable furniture comprises a spindle (16) with a spindle nut (16a) for bringing about the adjustment of the article of furniture. At the end of the spindle (16) there is a bearing (17) for mounting of this in the actuator. The spindle/spindle nut (16,16a) is driven by an electric motor (27) through a transmission (28). For preventing accidents and/or damage during the adjustment of the article of furniture the actuator is equipped with a squeeze protection based on a piezo element (22). This piezo element (22) is arranged in connection with the bearing (17) for registering the forces or deflections of the forces affecting the spindle (16). In that the piezo element (22) has a through-going hole for the spindle the mounting of the piezo element (22) is simplified and further it has turned out that a particularly good signal/noise ratio is obtained.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus of a vibration-type actuator for generating an elliptical motion of contact portions by a common alternating current including a frequency determining unit for setting a frequency of the alternating current. The frequency determining unit sets the frequency of the alternating current for changing an ellipticity of the elliptical motion, within a frequency range such that ellipticity changing frequency ranges set for the vibrators are overlapped, and the ellipticity changing frequency ranges are set for the vibrators as frequency ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, such that the lower limit is a maximum resonant frequency at a time of changing the ellipticity, and the upper limit is larger than the lower limit and is a maximum frequency for the relative movement of the driving member.

Abstract: A device for moving a nonlinear crystal or a saturable absorber in two dimensions includes a first and a second piezo unit, each having a corresponding carrier, piezo driver, and carriage moveable by the piezo driver at incremental steps along a linear path with respect to the carrier between a first and a second end location, in which the linear paths of the first piezo unit and the second piezo unit are orthogonal. The nonlinear crystal/saturable absorber is fastenable on the carriage of the first piezo unit and the carrier of the first piezo unit is fastened on the carriage of the second piezo unit. The device further includes stops that define the carriage end locations, an end location detection configured to detect the carriages at their respective end locations, and a counting unit configured to count the steps covered during the moving of the carriage.

Abstract: There are provided a vibrator and an electronic device including the same. The vibrator includes: a housing having an internal space; an elastic member having both ends fixed to the housing so as to be disposed in the internal space in a state in which elastic deformation is possible; and a piezoelectric element mounted on one surface of the elastic member, wherein the piezoelectric element is fixed to the elastic member by soldering.

Abstract: A micropositioning device for a piezoelectric actuator includes a means for controlling an electric field applied to the piezoelectric actuator so as to deform the piezoelectric material, and means for simultaneous measurement of a variation of electric charge accumulated on the piezoelectric actuator resulting from the deformation; and means for acquiring measurements of the variation of electric charge, for processing these acquisitions and for estimating a displacement (x, y, z) of the piezoelectric actuator and/or an applied force.

Abstract: There is provided a displacement sensor which can precisely detect the amount of displacement given by an operator. A touch sensor which is a type of the displacement sensor has a piezoelectric element, a voltage converting unit and a detecting unit. The piezoelectric element instantaneously generates a voltage proportional to a pressing force (the amount of pressing). The voltage converting unit converts the voltage generated by the piezoelectric element, into a voltage proportional to a transition determined based on a predetermined time constant determined by an impedance of a resistor of the voltage converting unit and capacitances of a capacitor and the piezoelectric element, and a pressing force. The detecting unit integrates output voltages of the voltage converting unit, and calculates the pressing force (the amount of pressing) based on an integration value.

Abstract: A nebulizing driving apparatus is used to drive a piezoelectric material of a nebulizing module. The nebulizing driving apparatus includes a driving circuit, a control circuit and a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit detects an electrical data fed back from the piezoelectric material and sends the electrical data to the control circuit when the control circuit is configured to control the driving circuit to drive the piezoelectric material with a driving frequency. According to the electrical data, the control circuit is configured to control the driving circuit to drive the piezoelectric material with a working frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus for adaptively scheduling ultrasound device actions includes a probe interface, a beamer, a receiver, a processor, and a memory. The probe interface may interface with probe units to transmit signals generated by the beamer to the probe units and to receive data signals from the probe units. The processor may be coupled to the probe interface, the beamer, and the receiver. The memory may store instructions, which when executed by the processor, causes the processor to generate a task list that includes a timed beam firing sequence and to signal to the beamer to generate signals to the probe units associated with the plurality of task actions. The task list may include a plurality of task actions associated with probe units, and the processor may signal to the beamer in accordance with the timed beam firing sequence. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: There is provided a drive controller including a determination part that compares a target stop position of a movable body, which is driven by a piezoelectric actuator driven by a piezoelectric element expanded and contracted in response to an applied voltage, with a real position of the movable body acquired on the basis of a position sensor, and determines whether or not the target stop position matches with the real position, and a drive control part that turns off energization of the piezoelectric actuator when the target stop position matches with the real position while the movable body is being driven by the piezoelectric actuator.

Abstract: A method of removing an electric crosstalk contribution is disclosed. This crosstalk exists in a monitoring signal from a monitored electro-mechanical transducer in a device comprising a plurality of electro-mechanical transducers which are driven by actuation signals so as to produce acoustic waves in an acoustic frequency range. The method comprises the steps of: (a) applying an actuation signal to at least one of the transducers other than the monitored transducer; (b) detecting the monitoring signal in a high frequency range outside of the acoustic frequency range; (c) deriving, from the detected monitoring signal, a number of parameters that characterize the electric crosstalk; and (d) using said parameters to calculate the electric crosstalk contribution in the acoustic frequency range.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe comprises: a backing material; a plurality of inorganic piezoelectric elements arranged on a top surface of the backing material; a first acoustic matching layer separated into a plurality of pieces disposed on the plurality of inorganic piezoelectric elements; and a second acoustic matching layer separated into a plurality of pieces disposed on the first acoustic matching layer, wherein the second acoustic matching layer comprises an upper organic layer constituting a plurality of organic piezoelectric elements, and a lower organic layer for performing, together with the upper organic layer, acoustic matching for the plurality of inorganic piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: Method for harvesting energy using an EAP based deformable body. The EAP based deformable body is an elastically deformable body including an arrangement of stretchable synthetic material and electrodes being arranged as a variable capacitor with a capacitance that varies as the deformable body stretches and relaxes. The method includes: looping through an energy harvesting cycle with a) stretching the deformable body from a minimal relaxed size L1 to a maximal stretched size L2; b) at the maximal stretched size electrically charging of the variable capacitor to create an electric field over the capacitor with an upper electric field level value; and subsequently c) a relaxation step from maximal stretched size to the minimal relaxed size; d) at the minimal relaxed size of the deformable body, electrically discharging the capacitor to a minimal charge level and a minimal electric field level value.

Abstract: A liquid ejection apparatus is disclosed. One apparatus includes a piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element includes an upper electrode and a lower electrode. The lower electrode has a partial overlapping portion and a non-overlapping portion. The partial overlapping portion at least partially overlaps the pressure chamber. The partial overlapping portion of the lower electrode has two ends in the transverse direction. The upper electrode has two ends in the transverse direction. A distance from the center of the pressure chamber in the transverse direction to one of the two ends of the upper electrode in the transverse direction is smaller than a distance from the center of the pressure chamber in the transverse direction to a corresponding one of the two ends of the partial overlapping portion in the transverse direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic actuator (2) with a polarization axis P, said actuator being made of a piezoelectric ceramic. The ultrasonic actuator (2) has a temperature expansion coefficient which is parallel to the polarization axis P and which differs from a temperature expansion coefficient that is perpendicular to the polarization axis P, and at least one friction element (8) is arranged on the ultrasonic actuator. The friction element (8) consists of an anisotropic monocrystal with temperature expansion coefficients which are different along the three crystal axes a, b, and c. The temperature expansion coefficient along a first of the three crystal axes is the lowest, and the temperature expansion coefficient along a second of the three crystal axes is the greatest.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: an elastic member having both end portions fixed to a housing; a piezoelectric element installed on one surface of the elastic member; and a circuit board connected to the piezoelectric element, wherein the elastic member has support parts formed on both side surfaces of both end portions thereof and bent downwardly in order to be installed in the housing, and a portion of the circuit board passing between the support parts has a flat panel shape.

Abstract: A fluid detection system and method for a fuel cell power plant is disclosed having a pressure sensor (61, 161) positioned in a fuel cell stack assembly (10) to measure pressure of fluid/liquid in a fluid/liquid flow path (40, 42, 44) therein and to provide a pressure-based signal (90, 63). The pressure-based signal (90, 63) is used to control a liquid management arrangement (53) at least during start-up and shut-down of the cell stack assembly (10) to regulate water level. The liquid management arrangement (53) may include means (50, 51) for controllably applying and releasing a vacuum to a water manifold (44, 54; 100) of the cell stack assembly (10) to regulate water flow and level therein. The pressure-based control of water level may extend across the entire operating range of the cell stack assembly (10), or may be complemented during steady state operation by voltage-based sensors (66, 166).

Abstract: An electronic device capable of applying an appropriate driving signal to a piezoelectric element is provided. The electronic device 1 includes a piezoelectric element 31 and a control unit 40 configured to apply a driving signal to the piezoelectric element 31, and the control unit 40 applies a driving signal so that a voltage of a positive electrode of the piezoelectric element 31 is equal to or greater than a voltage of a negative electrode thereof.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element drive circuit includes an H bridge circuit, an LPF-attached differential amplifier circuit, an amplifier circuit, and an inverter circuit. First and second drive signals output from the H bridge circuit and having opposite phases are applied to a piezoelectric element. A voltage between opposite ends of a resistor connected to a first output terminal of the H bridge circuit is input to the LPF-attached differential amplifier circuit. A differential signal output from the LPF-attached differential amplifier circuit has a lower slew rate because harmonic components are suppressed by the function of a low pass filter. Accordingly, respective slew rates of first and second control signals input to first and second input terminals of the H bridge circuit are also reduced. Hence the first and second control signals are each provided as a signal having a step-like waveform and including harmonic components that have been suppressed.

Abstract: A circuit assembly is used for controlling a piezoelectric transformer having an input capacitance in a first circuit branch. The circuit assembly also includes a second circuit branch for compensating for the input capacitance, preferably by means of a capacitive element, and a differential amplifier having two inputs. The first input is coupled to the first circuit branch and the second input is coupled to the second circuit branch.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling a linear or rotary multi-actuator drive device having a stationary and a movable part. Relative movement between the stationary and the movable parts is generated via actuators having limited strokes, which are in substantially continuous frictional contact with the movable part either directly or via a force-transmitting mechanism, wherein control signals having a timing offset are used therefor, which force alternation between the slip phase and the stick phase for each actuator.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for determining rail stress. The method may include generating at least one ultrasonic guided wave to enable the at least one ultrasonic guided wave to propagate through a rail; detecting at least one of a fundamental frequency component of the at least one ultrasonic guided wave, one or more harmonics of the at least one ultrasonic guided wave, and/or a mixing component of the at least one ultrasonic guided wave; and determining a stress of the rail based on at least a nonlinearity parameter determined from the detected at least one of the fundamental frequency component, the one or more harmonics, and the mixing component. Related apparatus, systems, methods, and articles are also described.

Abstract: A device for charging and discharging a capacitive actuator connectable to an output connection has a first capacitor disposed between an input connection and a reference potential. The device has a series connection composed of a first and a second power switching element which is connected in parallel with the first capacitor. The device additionally has a first coil with a first connection connected to the center tap of the series connection, wherein the second connection of the first coil is connected to the reference potential via a third power switching element and to the output connection via a fourth power switching element. Wherein the power switching elements have diodes connected in parallel therewith such that they are reverse-biased from the input connection or the output connection to the reference potential. Wherein a connection of the fourth power switching element is connected to the input connection via a diode.

Abstract: A linear ultrasonic motor includes a vibrator having a piezoelectric element, a movable part applying a pressing force to the vibrator and bringing the vibrator into pressed contact with a base part, a cover part being fixed to the base part, a rolling part being rollably held between a movable guide part of the movable part and a cover guide part of the cover part, and a body to be driven having a transmission member that is pivotably supported and able to move only in the movable direction. The transmission member includes a bias part that abuts on a transmission part of the movable part and applies a biasing force of biasing the movable part to the rolling part to the transmission part. The rolling part is held by a resultant force of the pressing force or a reaction force of the pressing force, and the biasing force.

Abstract: A vibration control device that can achieve the best vibration control effect within an allowable stroke range of a movable mass includes a controller that calculates at least one of a displacement deviation between a target displacement of a movable mass and a displacement of the movable mass detected by a mass displacement sensor and a velocity deviation between a target velocity of the movable mass and a velocity of the movable mass detected by a mass velocity sensor, and generates a control command for making a motor drive the movable mass on the basis of at least one of the displacement deviation and the velocity deviation. The target displacement and the target velocity are set in a manner that the amplitude of the movable mass becomes constant and that phases thereof are delayed 90 degrees with respect to the vibration of a building.

Abstract: A present invention provides a device capable of controlling a variable stiffness mechanism, which has a dielectric elastomer interposed between two members, so as to suppress an increase in the strain of the dielectric elastomer caused by the creep phenomenon. A power source control unit 21 corrects a reference supply voltage Vbase of an output voltage of a power source 10, which is determined on the basis of a desired degree of stiffness of a dielectric elastomer 1, by a feedback manipulated variable determined on the basis of a difference between a desired value of the capacitance of the elastomer 1 and an estimated value thereof, thereby setting a desired value for controlling the output voltage of the power source 10 in order to control the power source 10 according to the desired value for control.

Abstract: A positioning device includes a positioning element that is situated movably in a first direction and a second direction, the first and the second directions being opposed to one another, and a first piezoelectric actuator and a second piezoelectric actuator, the first piezoelectric actuator moving the positioning element in the first direction and the second piezoelectric actuator moving the positioning element in the second direction.

Abstract: Embodiments include a synthetic jet device formed within layers of a package substrate, such as to provide a controlled airflow for sensing or cooling applications. The jet device includes an electromagnetically driven vibrating membrane of conductive material between a top and bottom cavity. A top lid with an opening covers the top cavity, and a permanent magnet is below the bottom cavity. An alternating current signal conducted through the membrane causes the membrane to vibrate in the presence of a magnetic field caused by the permanent magnet. By being manufactured with package forming processes, the jet (1) is manufactured more cost-effectively than by using silicon chip or wafer processing; (2) is easily integrated as part of and with the other layers of a package substrate; and (3) can be driven by a chip mounted on the package. Embodiments also include systems having and processes for forming the jet.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an outer case, and a piezoelectric element mounted to an inner surface of the outer case and configured to impart vibration to the outer case due to deformation in correspondence with an applied voltage and to generate a voltage corresponding to deformation due to a shock imparted to the outer case. An induction element applies an increased voltage to the piezoelectric element, a first switch performs control as to whether or not to supply an electric current from a power source to the induction element, a second switch effects connection or disconnection between the induction element and the piezoelectric element, and a shock detection unit to detects a shock imparted to the outer case based on the voltage generated in the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A driver system comprises a direct current (DC) voltage source and a first bi-directional DC-to-DC converter having a primary side coupled to the DC voltage source and a secondary side and configured to convert a first voltage on the primary side to a second voltage on the secondary. The driver system also comprises a second bi-directional DC-to-DC converter having a primary side coupled to the DC voltage source and a secondary side coupled to the secondary side of the first bi-directional DC-to-DC converter and configured to convert the first voltage on the primary side to a third voltage on the secondary. The first and second bi-directional DC-to-DC converters are capable of boosting the first voltage, and the second control signal is a complement of the first control signal. A voltage difference between the second and third voltages comprises an output voltage that comprises an amplification of the first control signal.

Abstract: A force moment sensor for sensing forces and moments in a system through which forces and moments are transferred from an input member to an output member is disclosed. It includes a housing, an inner tube, a load plate, a plurality of elongate connectors and a plurality of dynamic deflection measuring devices. The housing has a base portion and an outer tube portion generally orthogonal to the base portion. The inner tube, a poled piezoceramic element, is operably connected to the base portion and spaced inwardly of the outer tube. The load plate is attached to the inner tube, spaced from the base portion and spaced from the outer tube. The plurality of elongate connectors are connected between the load plate and the outer tube portion. The plurality of dynamic deflection measuring devices are attached to the load plate for measuring dynamic flexible deflections of the load plate.

Abstract: A vibrator including an electro-mechanical transducer and an elastic body that is fixed to the electro-mechanical transducer and that is provided with a projection, the projection having a hollow structure. The projection includes a contact portion having a first surface at a tip, the first surface being parallel to a first plane, a wall portion projecting towards an opposite side with respect to the electro-mechanical transducer, and a connection portion connecting the wall portion and the contact portion to each other. The connection portion having a spring property, and the contact portion includes a portion of which a cross-sectional area in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane increases as an increase of a distance between the portion and the first surface.

Abstract: A bi-modal voltage converter and associated method for reducing stress on secondary rectifiers and decreasing switching losses. An embodiment of the voltage converter comprises three switches and control circuitry that is operative, upon a determination with respect to the input voltage, to select between a two-switch operation and a three-switch operation. When the input voltage is greater than a threshold value, one of the three switches is permanently turned on, while the other two switches are controlled using a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal. When the input voltage is equal to or less than the threshold value (e.g., requiring a duty cycle greater than 50%), all three switches are controlled by the PWM signal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric drive circuit includes a first circuit which applies a voltage to the piezoelectric element and includes a plurality of transistors. A second circuit removes the residual current of the piezoelectric element and includes a plurality of transistors, and among the transistors included in the first circuit and the second circuit, transistors operated by an input signal are simultaneously turned ON/OFF by receiving the same input signal. Thus, when using a piezoelectric element as the air valve, it is possible to reduce leakage of air.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: Provided is a control apparatus of a vibration-type actuator for generating an elliptical motion of contact portions by a common alternating current including a frequency determining unit for setting a frequency of the alternating current. The frequency determining unit sets the frequency of the alternating current for changing an ellipticity of the elliptical motion, within a frequency range such that ellipticity changing frequency ranges set for the vibrators are overlapped, and the ellipticity changing frequency ranges are set for the vibrators as frequency ranges between an upper limit and a lower limit, such that the lower limit is a maximum resonant frequency at a time of changing the ellipticity, and the upper limit is larger than the lower limit and is a maximum frequency for the relative movement of the driving member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes an ultrasonic transducer, a liquid filled section filled with a liquid, a contact section, and a flexible section. The contact section includes a deformable resin material, is positioned outside the ultrasonic transducer, and forms a portion of the liquid filled section. The flexible section includes the deformable resin material and forms a portion of the liquid filled section. The ultrasonic transducer is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves through the contact section.

Abstract: A pulse generation circuit and method includes using digital signals to trigger a first and second varying analog signals and detecting when they reach one or more reference levels. In response to the first and second varying analog signals reaching one or more reference levels, a first and a second digital control signals are produced and provided as input to a pulser producing a voltage excitation pulse having a width and timing defined by the first and second digital control signals.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a vibration type actuator, which uses a vibration wave excited by a vibrating member to actuate a movable member in contact with or indirectly connected to the vibrating member, includes a command unit which gives a command indicating at least one parameter, an AC voltage generator which generates the AC voltage for applying the excitation force to the vibrating member, a variable adding unit which adds a predetermined variable to each of one or more parameters, a frequency response characteristic measuring unit which receives as an input a variable output and outputs a physical quantity and obtains a frequency response characteristic at one or more predetermined frequencies, a resonance frequency estimation unit which estimates a resonance frequency of the vibrating member, and a frequency range limiter which determines a frequency range for the AC voltage output by the AC voltage generator.

Abstract: A method for operating a piezoelectric actuator which may be activated with the aid of an activation signal. The piezoelectric actuator is operable in a passive and in an active operating mode. The piezoelectric actuator is activated without a functional operating request if the piezoelectric actuator is in a passive operating mode.

Abstract: An inspection fixture is provided that includes a fixture, a lens, an ultrasonic phase array, a mirror and a liquid supply connector. The fixture body includes an inner chamber and an opening to the inner chamber. The lens defines a portion of the inner chamber. The ultrasonic phase array generates ultrasonic signals and is positioned to send the ultrasonic signals through the lens. The mirror is received within the inner chamber and is positioned at 45° in relation to the lens to reflect the ultrasonic signals from the lens out an opening to an inspection area of a body to be inspected and to reflect returned ultrasonic signals from the inspection area to the lens. The liquid supply connector is in fluid communication with the inner chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes circuits and methods for driving resonant actuators. In one embodiment, a drive signal is applied to an actuator during a portion of a plurality of half cycles of a period of the drive signal. The actuator has a resonant frequency and may vibrate in response to the drive signal. An induced voltage is generated on terminals of the actuator in response to the vibration. A detection circuit may detect when the induced voltage on the actuator crosses a threshold after the drive signal is turned off. The drive signal may be triggered based on when the induced voltage crosses the threshold to align a frequency and phase of the drive signal with the resonant frequency and a phase of the actuator.

Abstract: A method actuates a pumping device that has an optimal driving voltage. The pumping device includes a pumping chamber that has a pumping membrane, an inlet and an outlet chamber, a voltage controlled actuator connected to the pumping membrane, a stop position defined by a mechanical stop, and a sensor for determining whether the pumping membrane has reached the mechanical stop. The method performs a learning and working phase. The learning phase is adapted to determine the optimal driving voltage.

Abstract: A circuit combines the features of fast startup with low current, low frequency response, and low noise. With the use of a novel biasing technique, it is possible to operate the piezoelectric crystal at zero DC voltage bias, both throughout the startup phase and during normal operation, by setting both ends of the piezoelectric crystal to the same voltage potential. In this application, the potential is that of the reference voltage. Not having to charge the piezoelectric crystal capacitance reduces the startup time dramatically.

Abstract: A power generation unit includes a deforming member adapted to repeatedly deform a piezoelectric element, a pair of electrodes provided to the piezoelectric element, an inductor disposed between the pair of electrodes, and constituting a resonant circuit together with a capacitive component of the piezoelectric element, a first switch connected in series to the inductor, a member adapted to detect a timing at which a deformation direction of the deforming member is switched, a full bridge rectifier adapted to rectify a current output from the pair of electrodes, a capacitor connected to the full bridge rectifier, and adapted to store a current supplied from the full bridge rectifier, a second switch connected between either one of the pair of electrodes and the capacitor, and a control circuit adapted to operate the first switch and the second switch.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mapping message contents to virtual physical properties for vibrotactile messaging are disclosed. For example, one disclosed method includes the steps of receiving a sensor signal from a sensor, the sensor configured to detect an interaction with a messaging device, determining a virtual physical property of a virtual message object based at least in part on the sensor signal, determining a haptic effect based at least in part on the virtual physical parameter; and generating a haptic signal configured to cause an actuator to output the haptic effect.

Abstract: A sensor includes a piezoelectric detector (10) mounted in a support having electrically conductive walls forming a mechanical ground (MM), and an amplifier for processing the signal delivered by the piezoelectric detector, defining an electronic ground (ME) and at least a capacitive feedback loop (16). A voltage adder circuit (61) is inserted into the capacitive feedback loop in order to add an electrical voltage which varies as a function of the potential difference between the mechanical ground (MM) and the electronic ground (ME), so that the variations of this potential difference are continuously compensated for at the input (13) of the processing amplifier (12) receiving the signal delivered by the piezoelectric detector (10).

Abstract: Embodiments relate to MEMS resonator structures and methods that enable application of a maximum available on-chip voltage. In an embodiment, a MEMS resonator comprises a connection between a ground potential and the gap electrode of the resonator. Embodiments also relate to manufacturing systems and methods that are less complex and enable production of MEMS resonators of reduced dimensions.