Abstract: A drive device includes a movable member, plural piezoelectric motors that cause the movable member to move in a predetermined direction, a drive circuit that drives the plural piezoelectric motors, and plural relays that electrically connect or disconnect at least one of the plural piezoelectric motors to or from the drive circuit.

Abstract: A linear resonant actuator includes: (a) an electromechanical polymer (EMP) actuator; (b) a substrate having a first surface and a second surface, the EMP actuator being mounted on the first surface of the substrate; (c) clamping structure provided on two sides of the substrate so as to allow the substrate to vibrate freely between the two sides of the substrate, in response to an electrical stimulation of the EMP actuator; and (d) an inertial mass element having a contact surface for attaching to the substrate at the second surface of the substrate. The inertial mass element may include contact structures provided to attach to the substrate along thin parallel lines. In one embodiment, the inertial mass element may have a “T” shape, or any suitable shape for stability.

Abstract: There is provided a vibrator including: a housing including an internal space; an elastic member mounted within the internal space so as to be elastically deformed; and a piezo actuator mounted on one surface of the elastic member, wherein the elastic member includes a reinforcement emboss protruding toward a surface opposite to a surface on which the piezo actuator is mounted in a portion on which the piezo actuator is mounted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric vibration module including a vibration plate that is surrounded by an upper case and a lower case, and includes a first stopper capable of preventing direct collision between a piezoelectric element and an internal constituent member, for example, an upper plate while vibrating linearly therein. In particular, the piezoelectric vibration module may further include a second stopper in the lower case.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel jackhammer that utilizes ultrasonic and/or sonic vibrations as source of power. It is easy to operate and does not require extensive training, requiring substantially less physical capabilities from the user and thereby increasing the pool of potential operators. An important safety benefit is that it does not fracture resilient or compliant materials such as cable channels and conduits, tubing, plumbing, cabling and other embedded fixtures that may be encountered along the impact path. While the ultrasonic/sonic jackhammer of the invention is able to cut concrete and asphalt, it generates little back-propagated shocks or vibrations onto the mounting fixture, and can be operated from an automatic platform or robotic system.

Abstract: An electromechanical motor includes an actuator assembly and a body to be driven in a driving direction. The actuator assembly has an actuator backing, a first actuator and a second actuator. The actuators are mechanically attached by a respective single attachment to the actuator backing at a first end of the actuators. The actuators have a respective interaction portion constituting a second end opposite to the first end in an actuator direction transverse to the driving direction. The interaction portions are arranged for interaction with an interaction surface of the body by a respective contact area. The actuators include a respective unimorph member arranged for causing a movement of the respective contact area as a response of a respective electrical signal. The respective movements are transverse to the actuator direction, to the driving direction, and to each other.

Abstract: A vibration generating apparatus may include a housing having an internal space, an elastic member mounted in the internal space, a piezoelectric element having one surface thereof mounted on the elastic member, and a mass body fixed to the other surface of the piezoelectric element by a buffering adhesive.

Abstract: A vibration-wave driving device includes a vibrator having an electromechanical-energy converting element, and a moving mechanism configured to allow the vibrator to move relative to a movable body, in a plane parallel to a plane where the vibrator and the movable body are in contact, in a second direction intersecting with a first direction being a direction of a driving force produced by the vibrator. The moving mechanism includes a guide member that regulates a moving direction of the vibrator, and the guide member includes a member having a rollable curved portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is piezoelectric vibrator including a piezoelectric vibrator unit. The piezoelectric vibrator has a vibrating portion, a mass attached on the vibrating portion and having an connecting portion attached on the vibrating portion and at least one extending portion extending from the connecting portion and away from the vibrating portion, and a holder having a stopping portion disposed between the extending portion of the mass and the vibrating portion. A distance from the extending portion to the at least one stopping portion is less than the amplitude of the vibration portion for limiting the vibrating portion and avoiding excessive amplitude of the vibrating portion.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: a piezoelectric element fixedly attached to a vibration transfer member and expanded and contracted in a direction from an inner surface thereof toward an outer surface thereof or in a direction from the outer surface thereof toward the inner surface thereof when power is applied thereto; and a vibration element connected to the piezoelectric element to vibrate.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: a bracket having a circular plate shape; a vibration member having a lower edge portion of a central portion fixed to the bracket and having a closed curved line shape; a piezoelectric element fixed to a lower surface of the vibration member among inner surfaces of the vibration member and deformed when power is applied thereto; and a mass body fixed to the inner surfaces of the vibration member and disposed to face the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A displacement amplifier receives an actuation displacement signal from a piezoelectric actuator. The displacement signal is amplified by one or more stages of compliant elements, and a corresponding force is applied to a load. Wide frequency response is achieved in response to the resilience characteristics of the compliant elements that are formed from any of several materials, illustratively aluminum, steel, titanium, plastics, composites, etc., and are produced by any of several manufacturing techniques, illustratively extrusion, die casting, forging, etc. The compliant elements can be configured as plural compliant mechanical displacement amplifier stages. In bilateral arrangements displacement signals from distal ends of the motive source are applied to symmetrical, or mirror image, arrangements of compliant elements. The motive source, which may be a piezoelectric actuator, delivers its displacement signal at one end thereof to one or more compliant elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric vibration module capable of improving adhesion between a piezoelectric element and an external electrode disposed on the piezoelectric element, the piezoelectric vibration module, including: a piezoelectric element printing patterns of a first internal electrode and a second internal electrode therein and having a first external electrode electrically connected to the first internal electrode and a second external electrode electrically connected to the second internal electrode on an external surface thereof, wherein the first external electrode and the second external electrode are made of silver (Ag) and are formed on the external surface of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric element having a piezoelectric layer, and a first and a second electrodes, the first electrode provided on one surface side of the piezoelectric layer, and the second electrode provided on the other surface side of the piezoelectric layer; a piezoelectric actuator having a vibrating member anchored to the first electrode of the piezoelectric element; and a rotational shaft with which the vibrating member makes contact and is rotated thereby.

Abstract: A vibration-type driving apparatus includes a vibrator holder, wherein a plurality of vibrators each having at least an electro-mechanical energy conversion element and an elastic member having a contact portion formed therein are connected to a vibrator holding member, for generating an ellipsoidal movement of the contact portion, to move, relative to the vibrator, a driving member contacting the contact portion. The plurality of vibrators are connected to a surface of the holding member at a side at which the contact portion contacts the driving member, and on a surface of the vibrator holding member opposite to the side at which the contact portion contacts the driving member, a pressing member is placed to set the contact portion to be pressed and contacted to the driving member.

Abstract: A motor device includes a base portion; a transmission portion that is formed with the base portion as one member and is wound around at least a part of an outer periphery of a rotator; and a driving portion which is supported by the base portion, moves the transmission portion by a certain distance in a state in which a rotational force is transmitted between the rotator and the transmission portion, and returns the transmission portion to a predetermined position in a state in which the rotation force transmission state is released.

Abstract: In a driving device, a distance from a guide member to a vibrator is less than that from the guide member to a permanent magnet in a plane perpendicular to a guiding direction of a guide member. An attraction force between the permanent magnet and a magnetic body acts as a force to rotate (i.e., a rotating force) a holding member about an axis of the guide member, and the vibrator is pressed against a contact member by the rotating force.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus, system, and method for driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic transducer in a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating a first ultrasonic drive signal by a generator coupled to an ultrasonic drive system, actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the first ultrasonic drive signal, generating a second ultrasonic drive signal by the generator, and actuating the ultrasonic transducer with the second ultrasonic drive signal. The first drive signal is different from the second drive signal. The first and second drive signals define a step function waveform. The system comprises a generator coupled to an ultrasonic instrument. The ultrasonic instrument comprises an ultrasonic drive system comprising an ultrasonic transducer coupled to a waveguide and an end effector coupled to the waveguide. The ultrasonic drive system resonates at a resonant frequency. The apparatus comprises an ultrasonic drive system coupled to a generator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a magnetic actuation method according to which a magnetized mobile (4) is directed by means of at least one magnetic element (2, 2a, 2b) placed opposite said magnetized mobile, characterized in that the preferred direction (or easy axis) of magnetization is made to turn at every point of said element by applying at least one mechanical constraint to said magnetic element(s) (2, 2, 2b), causing anisotropy within said element and thus moving the magnetized mobile in a preferred linear direction or causing the same to rotate.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that operably supports an electrical contact assembly therein that is in electrical communication with a signal source. An acoustic assembly is supported within the handpiece housing in rotatable contact with the electrical contact assembly. In various embodiments, the signal source produces at least one of an ultrasonic signal and a radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A vibration wave driving apparatus includes a vibrator for driving a driven body and a member for supporting the vibrator. The construction can restrain increases in the number of components and in necessary space and can maintain a stable contact state of frictional surfaces of the vibrator and the driven body.

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

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric vibration module including: a vibration plate mounted with a piezoelectric device and including at least one first elastic member; a lower case spaced apart from the vibration plate by a predetermined interval, disposed to be in parallel with the vibration plate, and including at least one second elastic member protruded toward the vibration plate; and an upper case having a shape of a box and including at least one third elastic member protruded toward an inner portion of the box.

Abstract: A component having a mounting support, a displaceable part, which is joined to the mounting support by at least one flexible joining component, and an actuator device. The actuator device is configured to set at least one subunit of the displaceable part and/or of the at least one flexible joining component into a first oscillatory motion along a first axis in such a manner, that the displaceable part may be set into an angular oscillatory motion about a first rotational axis. The actuator device is additionally configured to set the same and/or another subunit into a second oscillatory motion having a motion component along a second axis at an inclination to the first axis, in such a manner, that, in addition to the angular oscillatory motion, the displaceable part is displaceable about a second rotational axis.

Abstract: The elementary filter of the HBAR type includes two resonators (20, 22) of the HBAR type which are each formed by a transducer (8) and a substrate (12) which are coupled in a suitable manner by electroacoustic waves. The first resonator (20), the second resonator (22) and the coupling element (28) by way of evanescent waves include the same monobloc acoustic substrate (12) which is arranged facing and coupled to the piezoelectric transducer (8) by waves having the same longitudinal or transverse vibration mode through the same reference electrode (10).

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrating device comprises a metallic containing member, a piezoelectric member and a heat dissipating and conducting member. The piezoelectric member is provided within the metallic containing member, and the heat dissipating and conducting member includes a plurality of the heat dissipating and conducting fins. Each the heat dissipating and conducting fin has a first heat conduction connecting end and a second heat conduction connecting end, wherein the first heat conduction connecting end is provided on an external surface of the piezoelectric member, and the second heat conduction connecting end is connected with an inner wall surface of the metallic containing member.

Abstract: A motor which includes two drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. Diagonally opposite securing elements are provided on the drive ring and are used to flexibly suspend the drive ring via respective articulated corner elements on respective fixing elements that are diagonally opposite the respective securing elements. The drive according to the invention is compact, having actuators that are non-radially hinged to the drive ring.

Abstract: A Single Piezo-Actuator Rotary-Hammering (SPaRH) Drill includes a horn actuator having high power piezoelectric materials and a flexure pre-stress to increase the actuators effectiveness. The drill is a low mass, low power, compact coring drill measuring 20-cm high by 7-cm diameter and having a total weight of 2 kg including drive electronics. Using an average power of 50-Watts, the drill basalt is expected to cut basalt at a rate of 0.2 cm/min down to depth of 10-cm and create cuttings and an intact core. The drill is expected to operate under different environments including Martian ambient (6 Torr and down to ?50° C.), and liquid nitrogen temperatures (77 K) and low pressure (<<1 Torr) to simulate lunar polar and Europa conditions. Materials expected to be sampled include Kaolinite, Saddleback Basalt, Limestone, Volcanic Breccia, Siltstone, ice, permafrost and layered rocks with different hardness.

Abstract: A vibration-type actuator includes a vibration member, a driven member configured to move relative to the vibration member by a vibration of the vibration member, an output member connected to the driven member, a shaft inserted in a through-hole in the vibration member, a fixing member coupled to the shaft and configured to support the output member, and a coil spring provided between the driven member and the output member and configured to bring the driven member into pressure contact with the vibration member. The coil spring includes, at an end portion thereof, a first end turn portion with a plural number of turns. The coil spring is connected to the output member at the first end turn portion. The thickness of the first end turn portion is greater than a gap between the driven member and the output member.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprises: a piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2) which vibrates when a voltage is applied to electrodes; a first holder (3) which is joined to a panel (502) and supports one end portion of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2); and a second holder (4) which is joined to the panel (502) and supports the other end portion of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2). The vibrations generated in the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2) are transmitted to the panel (502) via the one end portion of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2) and the first holder (3), and the relative movements of the other end portion of the piezoelectric ceramic vibrator (2) in the lengthwise and crosswise directions with respect to the panel (502) are constrained by the second holder (4).

Abstract: An ultrasonic oscillating device with a detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly is mounted inside a case having a detachable lid and applied in a humidifier. The ultrasonic oscillating device has a circuit board, a supporting board, a connecting structure and the ultrasonic oscillating assembly. The detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly is placed between the supporting board and the lid. The connecting structure is mounted on a bottom of the lid and electrically connected to the ultrasonic oscillating assembly and the circuit board. When the ultrasonic oscillating assembly is broken, users easily replace the broken ultrasonic oscillating assembly by the detachable ultrasonic oscillating assembly and the detachable lid of the case, so other unbroken parts remain useful.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor with improved efficiency and improved specific power is disclosed. The piezoelectric motor has two frictionally engaged components mounted in such a way that they can move relative to each other. One component is a piezoelectric element in the form of a rectangular plate with metal coatings on its main planar surfaces. This component defines electrodes, where either some or all of the electrodes have leads for connection to a source of alternating voltage. The piezoelectric element is pressed by either its peripheral surfaces or by some parts of its peripheral surfaces at least by one of its sides or a section of one of its side against a cylindrical or planar surface of the other frictionally engaged component.

Abstract: A microstepper motor which comprises two electromechanical drive elements, especially piezoelectric bending actuators, having effective directions that are perpendicular to each other. These actuators act upon a drive ring to thereby rotate a shaft. The actuators are non-radially hinged to the drive ring via a torsion-proof, nested frame-type complex structure (drive module) including an interior drive ring, a frame and a U-shaped outer frame. The drive is compact and, the drive module is configured as a single injection-molded structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting vibratory mechanical energy into electrical energy includes a mobile mass, a support, first and second beams, the second being piezoelectric, and a junction element. The first beam extends longitudinally between the support and the mass, each of which has a beam end embedded therein. The second beam links the support and the mobile mass. Its elongation stiffness is lower than that of the first beam. The junction element extends between the beams. A first assembly, with a first bending stiffness, comprises the first beam, the second beam, and the junction element. A second assembly consists of the first assembly minus the second beam. Its bending stiffness is less than or equal to half of that of the first assembly.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy harvester is provided. The energy harvester includes, an energy conversion device configured to convert vibrational energy to electrical energy, a mass coupled to the energy conversion device, and at least one biasing mechanism coupled to the mass. The biasing mechanism is selectively adjustable and selectively adjusting the biasing mechanism adjusts a resonance frequency of the energy conversion device and the mass.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a piezo-electrically actuated membrane (ex.—a tuner) configured for use with a tunable cavity filter. The piezo-electrically actuated tuner may be formed of printed circuit board materials and may be placed over the cavities of the tunable cavity filter. Further, the piezo-electrically actuated tuner may promote high level performance of the tunable cavity filter, while allowing the tunable cavity filter to be tunable across wide bands.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a piezoelectric vibration module including a vibration plate that is surrounded by an upper case and a lower case, and includes a first stopper capable of preventing direct collision between a piezoelectric element and an internal constituent member, for example, an upper plate while vibrating linearly therein. In particular, the piezoelectric vibration module may further include a second stopper in the lower case.

Abstract: A vibrator includes an elastic body bonded to an electrical-mechanical energy converting element and including at least two contact parts, in which the at least two contact parts have convex shapes, shapes of surfaces of the at least two contact parts are part of spherical shapes, and rising directions of the at least two contact parts toward a member to be driven when the member is driven are different.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a drive device comprises a first generating unit which moves in straightly movable manner or rotatable manner and generates precharge pressure, a sliding guide unit which has a sliding guide surface that comes into contact with a sliding surface of the first generating unit and to which the precharge pressure is given, a vibration unit which gives vibration to the first generating unit, and a second generating unit. When the vibration is given to the first generating unit, the second generating unit generates driving force for driving the first generating unit in a predetermined direction so that the driving force is more than frictional force between the sliding surface and the sliding guide surface. When the vibration is not given to the first generating unit, the second generating unit generates the driving force so that the driving force is less than the frictional force.

Abstract: A vibration apparatus includes a vibrating body that includes a piezoelectric material having a lead content of less than 1000 ppm, and has an electromechanical energy converting element having an electrode; and a control unit that applies at least two driving voltages to the electromechanical energy converting element, and generates a combined vibration by providing a time phase difference to the vibrating body and generating multiple stable waves having mutually different orders; wherein the control unit changes at least one of the voltage amplitude ratio and time phase difference of at least two driving voltages, so as to change the amplitude distribution of the combined vibration.

Abstract: A thin plate type vibration device 10 includes a vibration layer 2 composed of an oxide single crystal. The vibration layer 2 includes a first main face 2a and a second main face 2b, and further includes a fixed end part 2e, a free end part 2c and a central vibration part 2d provided between the fixed end part and free end part. The device 10 further includes an anchor part 7 composed of an oxide single crystal or a silicon single crystal and bonded to the fixed end part 2e of the vibration layer 2 at the first main face 2a. The device further includes a weight part 6 composed of an oxide single crystal or a silicon single crystal and bonded to the free end part 2c at the first main face 2a.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration device capable of allowing a low profile and generating strong vibration, and a portable terminal using the same are provided. Disclosed are a piezoelectric vibration device at least including a support body (11); a vibration member (12) mounted to the support body (11) so as to vibrate; a vibration element (14) capable of being subjected to bending vibration; and a deformable first connecting member (13) interposed between a first surface that is a bending surface of the vibration element (14) and one main surface of the vibration member (12), and a portable terminal using the same. A piezoelectric vibration device capable of allowing a low profile and generating strong vibration, and a portable terminal can be obtained.

Abstract: A vibration actuator comprising: a vibration portion which contacts a relative movement portion, and produces necessary vibration for a relative movement of the relative movement portion; a first member provided to hold the relative movement portion between the first member and the vibration portion, and moves relative to the vibration portion in response to movement of the relative movement portion with respect to the vibration portion; a second member which faces the first member via a rolling member, and supports the first member so that the first member is movable relative to the vibration portion; and a pressing member which generate a pressing force between the second member and the vibration portion so that the vibration portion and the relative movement portion are in contact with each othercome in contact with each other; and wherein the first member comprises a plastic substance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power generator for generating electricity comprising a high pressure core having an interior chamber. The interior chamber is filled with a volume of one or more pressurized inert gases. A microwave frequency generator is provided for resonating the gas at a high radio frequency typically 2.4 GHz or higher, and means for securing and emitting the frequency generator into the core are provided. In addition, electrical conductors are positioned in the core to effectuate the production of electricity through lightening, arc, flame, and high heat. The conductors extend through the core to conduct the flow of electricity away from the core. A coolant such as water may be circulated around the outside surface of the core to dissipate heat from the core, the coolant can then be converted to steam to power a turbine to provide a second method through which the invention generates electricity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic actuator, preferably for use in an ultrasonic motor, in the form of a piezoelectric plate with a length L, height H and thickness t, wherein the piezoelectric plate has a lateral plane of symmetry Sq, a longitudinal plane of symmetry Sl and at least two main surfaces, and the piezoelectric plate comprises at least two generators symmetrically disposed with respect to plane of symmetry Sq for generating ultrasonic standing waves.

Abstract: In one general aspect, various embodiments are directed to an ultrasonic surgical instrument that comprises a handpiece housing that operably supports an electrical contact assembly therein that is in electrical communication with a signal source. An acoustic assembly is supported within the handpiece housing in rotatable contact with the electrical contact assembly. In various embodiments, the signal source produces at least one of an ultrasonic signal and a radio frequency signal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator including a piezoelectric element and an elongate transducer mounted on the piezoelectric element. The transducer is formed from an elongate cylindrical member, and at least one helical slot is provided around the outer surface of the cylindrical member to enable coupling of resonance modes of the transducer when actuated by the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium, and system for controlling velocity of at least partially resonant actuator system includes obtaining at an actuator controller computing system a selected operating velocity within an operational velocity range for at least one of one or more at least partially resonant actuator devices. A width of one or more pulses of a driving signal for the at least one of one or more at least partially resonant actuator devices is adjusted with the actuator controller computing system based on the selected operating velocity. The driving signal with the adjusted width of the one or more pulses is provided with the actuator controller computing system to obtain the selected operating velocity at the at least one of the one or more at least partially resonant actuator devices.

Abstract: Provided is a vibration actuator comprising a drive unit that generates a drive force; a vibrating component that vibrates according to the drive force from the drive unit; a rotating body that receives the vibration of the vibrating component to rotate; and a converting section that changes a contact force between the vibrating component and the rotating body according to size of a load acting on the rotating body.

Abstract: An ultrasonic motor for driving a driven object with a multi-degree of freedom includes a vibrator configured to simultaneously excite two vibration modes to generate an elliptic vibration on an output surface thereof, a driven object configured to be driven by the elliptic vibration generated on the output surface, and a driving element interposed between the output surface and the driven object. The driven object includes a spherical portion to be brought into contact with at least the output surface via the driving element. The elliptic vibration exhibits different vibration amplitudes at different positions on the output surface. The output surface includes a plurality of regions which exhibit greater vibration amplitudes than other regions on the output surface. The driving element includes a contact portion with at least two regions exhibiting greater vibration amplitudes than other regions of the contact portion, and is provided on the output surface.