Combined With Damping Structure Patents (Class 310/326)
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Patent number: 11358859Abstract: A micro-electromechanical transducer including one or more moveable members, and a viscoelastic substance having a predetermined viscoelasticity, the viscoelastic substance being adapted to influence the response of the transducer in a predetermined manner. The micro-electromechanical transducer of the present invention may include a MEMS transducer, such as a MEMS microphone, a MEMS vibration sensor, a MEMS acceleration sensor, a MEMS receiver.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventors: Raymond Mögelin, Dion Ivo de Roo, Frederik Comelis Blom, Alwin Fransen, Pavlo Mulyar, Peter Christiaan Post
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Patent number: 11090028Abstract: Provided are an ultrasonic device and a device for generating mechanical vibration. The ultrasonic device includes an ultrasonic probe and the device for generating mechanical vibration, where the device for generating mechanical vibration includes a vibration generator (1), a damping component (2), and a pressure component (3); the damping component (2) is fixed between the vibration generator (1) and the pressure component (3); the ultrasonic probe is connected to the pressure component (3); and the vibration generator (1) is configured to generate a vibration when a pressure value detected by the pressure component (3) falls into a preset range.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: WUXI HISKY MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.Inventors: Qiang Wang, Jinhua Shao, Jin Sun, Houli Duan
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Patent number: 11070184Abstract: A method and structure for a transfer process for an acoustic resonator device. In an example, a bulk acoustic wave resonator (BAWR) with an air reflection cavity is formed. A piezoelectric thin film is grown on a crystalline substrate. A first patterned electrode is deposited on the surface of the piezoelectric film. An etched sacrificial layer is deposited over the first electrode and a planarized support layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer, which is then bonded to a substrate wafer. The crystalline substrate is removed and a second patterned electrode is deposited over a second surface of the film. The sacrificial layer is etched to release the air reflection cavity. Also, a cavity can instead be etched into the support layer prior to bonding with the substrate wafer. Alternatively, a reflector structure can be deposited on the first electrode, replacing the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2019Date of Patent: July 20, 2021Assignee: Akoustis, Inc.Inventors: Dae Ho Kim, Mary Winters, Ramakrishna Vetury, Jeffrey B. Shealy
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Patent number: 11005025Abstract: A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) device may include a piezoelectric membrane transducer designed to have lower sensitivity to residual stress and reduced sensitivity to geometric variations arising from the backside etching process used to release the membrane. These designs allow some of its key feature to be adjusted to achieve desired characteristics, such as pressure sensitivity, natural frequency, stress sensitivity, and bandwidth.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2017Date of Patent: May 11, 2021Assignee: CHIRP MICROSYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: David Horsley, Andre Guedes, Stefon Shelton, Richard Przybyla, Meng-Hsiung Kiang
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Patent number: 10947108Abstract: A micro-electromechanical transducer including one or more moveable members, and a viscoelastic substance having a predetermined viscoelasticity, the viscoelastic substance being adapted to influence the response of the transducer in a predetermined manner. The micro-electromechanical transducer of the present invention may include a MEMS transducer, such as a MEMS microphone, a MEMS vibration sensor, a MEMS acceleration sensor, a MEMS receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2017Date of Patent: March 16, 2021Assignee: Sonion Nederland B.V.Inventors: Raymond Mögelin, Dion Ivo de Roo, Frederik Cornelis Blom, Alwin Fransen, Pavlo Mulyar, Peter Christiaan Post
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Patent number: 10802035Abstract: A resonating needle is adapted to be used in a device for measuring and controlling the dosage of a small quantity of fluid, includes: a needle (1) adapted to contain said small quantity of fluid; a resonating element of the piezoelectric type (2), coupled to said needle and adapted to be energized in order to detect variations of oscillation parameters of the needle and of the resonating element for the purpose of determining the dosage measurement and control.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 13, 2020Assignee: Technogenetics Holdings S.R.L.Inventors: Franco Duglio, Adolfo Cavallari, Luca Melillo
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Patent number: 10725160Abstract: A radar level gauging arrangement for performing radar level gauging in a tank having a tank wall which is impermeable to a product held in the tank and transmissive to radar signals, comprising an attachment device configured to be secured to a substantially flat portion of said tank wall, without penetration of the tank wall, and a radar level gauge including a directional antenna, the radar level gauge being mounted to the attachment device, such that, when said attachment device is secured against the tank wall, the directional antenna is positioned so as to enable transmission of radar signals through the tank wall. By mounting a radar level gauge to an attachment device which can be secured to the tank wall without penetrating the tank wall, radar level gauging can thus be provided without damaging or interfering with the tank.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2017Date of Patent: July 28, 2020Assignee: ROSEMOUNT TANK RADAR ABInventor: Stig Larsson
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Patent number: 10664054Abstract: A tactile sense presenting device that includes a piezoelectric film, a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm. The piezoelectric film deforms in a planar direction when a voltage is applied thereto. The first diaphragm and the second diaphragm sandwich the piezoelectric film. Opposed ends of the first diaphragm and opposed ends of the second diaphragm are fixed, respectively, to opposed ends of the piezoelectric film such that the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm are in a warped state.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventor: Junichi Hashimoto
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Patent number: 10622543Abstract: A bimorph disk actuator is disclosed including a substrate formed from a substrate composite material and having a first substrate surface and a second substrate surface, a first piezoceramic disk rigidly connected to the first substrate surface of the substrate, a second piezoceramic disk rigidly connected to the second substrate surface of the substrate, and a first composite ring formed from a first ring composite material, rigidly connected to the first substrate surface and surrounding the first piezoceramic disk. A second composite may be rigidly connected to the second substrate surface and surrounding the second piezoceramic disk. A method and apparatus for forming the bimorph disk actuator are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventors: Dan J. Clingman, Aaron M. Sassoon
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Patent number: 10607642Abstract: A PZT microactuator such as for a hard disk drive has a restraining layer bonded on its side that is opposite the side on which the PZT is mounted. The restraining layer comprises a stiff and resilient material such as stainless steel. The restraining layer can cover most or all of the top of the PZT, with an electrical connection being made to the PZT where it is not covered by the restraining layer. The restraining layer reduces bending of the PZT as mounted and hence increases effective stroke length, or reverses the sign of the bending which increases the effective stroke length of the PZT even further. The restraining layer can be one or more active layers of PZT material that act in the opposite direction as the main PZT layer. The restraining layer(s) may be thinner than the main PZT layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2019Date of Patent: March 31, 2020Assignee: MAGNECOMP CORPORATIONInventors: Peter Hahn, Kuen Chee Ee, Long Zhang
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Patent number: 10595778Abstract: A solution is offered to providing wearable garment, which provides a continued support for the wearer. A novel system is proposed including a wearable garment and a sensor module attached to the wearable garment. The sensor module has an oscillation sensing element, which measures oscillations experienced by the wearable garment, and an interface provided to the oscillation sensing element for outputting measurement data to a processor.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2017Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: Suunto OyInventors: Jussi Kaasinen, Erik Lindman, Mikko Martikka
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Patent number: 10598634Abstract: Embodiments provide a couplant and an arrangement of a couplant, a transducer, and a construction component. The couplant is adapted to couple the transducer to the surface of the construction component. The couplant provides 36% to 40% mass portion of hard metal.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2015Date of Patent: March 24, 2020Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Sebastian Ziegler, Joseph Erskine, Keith Hamilton, Gerard McGoogan, Tim Smith, Allan Thomson, Mairi Joan Torrie, Andreas Clemens von der Ham
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Patent number: 10492594Abstract: A method provides a band, including: placing an energy harvesting mechanism within a deformable band; the energy harvesting mechanism being placed to transform deformation of the deformable band into stored energy; and providing a connection element to the energy harvesting mechanism; said connection element offering a coupling of the stored energy of the deformable band to a device. In an embodiment, a force is applied to deform a deformable band along a length dimension of the deformable band. The force acts to move an energy harvesting mechanism of the deformable band such that the energy harvesting mechanism transforms deformation of the deformable band into stored energy. The stored energy may be used, e.g., to collect information using a sensor of said deformable band. Other aspects are described and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2017Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Mark Charles Davis, Jennifer Greenwood Zawacki, Debra Kay Kobs-Fortner, Douglas Warren Robinson
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Patent number: 10444198Abstract: An ultrasonic transmission probe is arranged such that an ultrasonic wave transmitted from the ultrasonic transmission probe toward a pipe propagates in a thick part of the pipe, is at least reflected on the outer peripheral face of the pipe, and travels toward an inspection site on the pipe, and an ultrasonic reception probe is arranged to be symmetrical to the ultrasonic transmission probe with reference to the xz plane including the inspection site and perpendicular to the center axis of the pipe.Type: GrantFiled: April 11, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Miki, Yuki Oshima, Naoyuki Kono, Toshimi Kimura
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Patent number: 10352726Abstract: Printed resistive-based sensors and transducers comprising a thin, electronically “active” sensing layer within a dielectric and/or metallic layered structure are provided. The electronic resistance of the active sensing layer is measured during a change in the sensor environment. By utilizing a multi-layered architecture around the active sensing layer, the electronic signal of the sensing element can be improved. By carefully selecting the architecture and materials that surround the active sensing layer, the sensitivity, stability, and selectivity of the sensor to detect changes in the environment are improved. This design allows for a number of specific application areas for environmental sensing.Type: GrantFiled: July 22, 2015Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.Inventors: Ryan E. Giedd, Vijaya Kayastha, Jonathan Fury, Robert Christian Cox
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Patent number: 10355659Abstract: A method and structure for a transfer process for an acoustic resonator device. In an example, a bulk acoustic wave resonator (BAWR) with an air reflection cavity is formed. A piezoelectric thin film is grown on a crystalline substrate. A first patterned electrode is deposited on the surface of the piezoelectric film. An etched sacrificial layer is deposited over the first electrode and a planarized support layer is deposited over the sacrificial layer, which is then bonded to a substrate wafer. The crystalline substrate is removed and a second patterned electrode is deposited over a second surface of the film. The sacrificial layer is etched to release the air reflection cavity. Also, a cavity can instead be etched into the support layer prior to bonding with the substrate wafer. Alternatively, a reflector structure can be deposited on the first electrode, replacing the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: July 16, 2019Assignee: Akoustis, Inc.Inventors: Dae Ho Kim, Mary Winters, Ramakrishna Vetury, Jeffrey B. Shealy
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Patent number: 10250165Abstract: Disclosed is a high speed actuator. The high speed actuator includes an actuation part configured to cause deformation such as bending or twisting and an active stiffness controller on a surface of the actuation part or in the actuation part configured to control in real time a stiffness (e.g., of the actuator) according to an external signal. The active stiffness controller may control a stiffness of the high speed actuator in order for the actuator to be actuated at a high speed. Moreover, since the stiffness of the actuator is controlled in real time, a speed of the actuator may be controlled in real time.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2016Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Assignee: SNU R&DB FoundationInventors: Sung Hoon Ahn, Sung Hyuk Song
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Patent number: 10201834Abstract: An ultrasound observation apparatus includes: a sheet including a first transducer, a first transducer region, a columnar portion, and a film portion configured to connect a plurality of first upper electrodes in the first transducer region and a second surface of the columnar portion in an arrangement direction C; and a bonding portion provided between the first transducer positioned on a second end portion in the first transducer region and the columnar portion and configured to maintain a state in which the sheet is rounded such that the film portion becomes an external surface, and the first transducer positioned on the second end portion and a first surface of the columnar portion are attached to each other.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2017Date of Patent: February 12, 2019Assignee: OLYMPUS CORPORATIONInventor: Sunao Sato
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Patent number: 10200772Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display panel which displays an image and a vibration member attached to a surface of the display panel, where the vibration member receives a sound signal, generates a vibration in response to the sound signal, and transfers the vibration to the display panel to allow the display panel to output a sound.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2015Date of Patent: February 5, 2019Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.Inventors: Yi Joon Ahn, Yongchang Park, WonSang Park, Jongin Baek, Yong-Suk Yeo, Taehee Lee
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Patent number: 10149660Abstract: To address limitations of conventional transducers, a phased array transducer is provided with a form factor suitable o for packaging into, e.g., an endoscope. A method of manufacture of small packaging transducers is also provided, whereby the overall package size is reduced by electrically connecting signal wires to array electrodes at an angle approximately normal to the array surface, thus largely eliminating the bend radius requirements of conventional printed circuit boards or flex circuits.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: December 11, 2018Assignee: DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITYInventors: Andre B. Bezanson, Robert B. A. Adamson, Jeremy A. Brown
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Patent number: 10147870Abstract: A method for producing a porous piezoelectric polymer film with a dense surface, includes depositing a polymer solution onto a substrate to form a polymer film including a solvent; evaporating a portion of the solvent to form the dense surface away from the substrate; forming water droplets in interior of the polymer film; and substantially evaporating the water droplets and remaining solvent to form porous interior. A piezoelectric composition includes a piezoelectric material with a porous interior and a dense surface for interfacing with an electrode. A piezoelectric device includes a first electrode; a porous piezoelectric film with a dense surface and porous interior, wherein the porous piezoelectric film is deposited on the first electrode and the dense surface is away from the first electrode; and a second electrode deposited on the dense surface for, together with the first electrode, providing an electrical interface for the porous piezoelectric film.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: THE TRUSTEES OF DARTMOUTH COLLEGEInventors: John X. J. Zhang, Dajing Chen
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Patent number: 10119943Abstract: A couplant and an arrangement of a couplant include a transducer and a construction component. The couplant is adapted to couple the transducer to a surface of the construction component. The couplant comprises basically 15% to 75% mass portion of hard metal.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2012Date of Patent: November 6, 2018Assignee: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Joseph Erskine, Keith Hamilton, Gerard McGoogan, Tim Smith, Allan Thomson, Mairi Joan Torrie, Sebastian Ziegler, Andreas Clemens Van Der Ham
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Patent number: 9925562Abstract: A vibrator includes a piezoelectric element deformed when power is applied thereto, an installation member having the piezoelectric element installed thereon, and a plurality of elastic members connected to the installation member and changing a displacement direction through deformation of the installation member. The plurality of elastic members are disposed to oppose each other.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Assignee: MPLUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Hwa Young Oh, Seung Hyeon Jeong
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Patent number: 9826960Abstract: A low power ultrasound system for use in sonography applications, including vascular imaging, is disclosed. The low power ultrasound system includes a base unit having an image processor and a display. An ultrasound probe is operably connected to the base unit. The probe includes a head portion including an array of crystal transducers. A plurality of pulser/receiver modules that cause the transducers to emit ultrasonic transmit pulses are also included in the probe. The pulser/receiver modules are further configured to receive analog signals relating to ultrasonic echo receive pulses detected by the transducers. The probe includes a singular low noise amplifier that amplifies the analog signals, and an analog-to-digital converter that converts the analog signals to a digital signal. A wireless interface is included for enabling the digital signal to be wirelessly transmitted from the probe to the image processor of the base unit.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: C. R. Bard, Inc.Inventors: Benjamin A. Cohen, Dylan K. Robles, Shayne Messerly
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Patent number: 9782799Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: a housing having an internal space; a vibration member having both end portions thereof fixed to the housing; and a piezoelectric element installed on the vibration member, wherein the vibration member includes a first member having the piezoelectric element installed thereon and second members disposed at both end portions of the first member, the second members being formed of a material having a higher degree of tensile strength than the first member.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2015Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: MPLUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Joon Choi, Yeon Ho Son
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Patent number: 9780290Abstract: A nanometer-scale precision actuator comprises a base, an intermediate structure, an output interface, and two linear elements producing a controllable extension in the same longitudinal direction, each between a first and a second end. A first of the two elements has a first end fixed onto the intermediate structure and a second end fixed onto the base, a second of the two elements has a first end fixed onto the intermediate structure and a second end fixed to the output interface. The base and the intermediate structure are positioned in such a manner that the controllable extension of the second element produces a displacement of the actuator in a first direction and the controllable extension of the first element produces a displacement of the actuator in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, with respect to the base.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2014Date of Patent: October 3, 2017Assignees: THALES, CEDRAT TECHNOLOGIESInventors: Christophe Devilliers, Félix Aguilar, Julien Ducarne, Francois Barillot, Frank Claeyssen
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Patent number: 9593721Abstract: The present teachings provide for a vehicle drive module including a housing, an electric motor, a transmission gear set, a differential assembly, and a pair of output members. The transmission gear set can transmit rotary power between a motor output shaft and an output of the transmission gear set. The differential assembly can include a case, a pair of pinion gears, and a pair of side gears. Each of the side gears can be meshingly engaged with the pair of pinion gears. Each output member can include a driven body and an outer flange. The driven body can have a first end drivingly coupled to one of the side gears. The outer flange can have a first side that is releasably coupled to the second end of the driven body, and a second side that is adapted to be releasably coupled to a constant velocity joint.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2014Date of Patent: March 14, 2017Assignee: e-AAM Driveline Systems ABInventor: Mats Strandberg
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Patent number: 9555444Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer is mounted in a housing. An impedance matching layer is provided between the piezoelectric transducer and the housing. The impedance matching layer includes high-permittivity regions that have a first permittivity, and low-permittivity regions that separate the high-permittivity regions and have a second permittivity. The second permittivity is lower than the first permittivity.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2015Date of Patent: January 31, 2017Inventors: George David Goodman, Voldi E. Maki, Jr.
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Patent number: 9548439Abstract: A piezoelectric film having a porosity between 20 and 40%, a thickness ranging from tens of microns to less than a few millimeters can be used to form an ultrasonic transducer UT for operation in elevated temperature ranges, that emit pulses having a high bandwidth. Such piezoelectric films exhibit greater flexibility allowing for conformation of the UT to a surface, and obviate the need for couplings or backings. Furthermore, a method of fabricating an UT having these advantages as well as better bonding between the piezoelectric film and electrodes involves controlling porosity within the piezoelectric film.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2011Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADAInventors: Makiko Kobayashi, Cheng-Kuei Jen
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Patent number: 9523770Abstract: A method of use for parametric sonar is provided that utilizes an acoustic beam formed at a difference frequency generated by non-linear interaction of acoustic energy of primary frequencies. At least three primary frequencies are transmitted from a frequency source by amplifiers and acoustic projectors of the sonar. The non-linear interaction of the primary frequencies produces at least three difference frequencies. The difference frequencies are received by a receiver array. Increased interaction increases efficiency linearly with the number of primary frequencies used. The increased bandwidth resulting from the use of multiple center frequencies can also produce signal processing gains and signal-to-signal ratio is also improved, especially at the lower difference frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Anthony A Ruffa
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Patent number: 9515248Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: an elastic member having both end portions thereof fixedly installed on a support part of a lower case; a piezoelectric element installed on one surface of the elastic member; and a mass body part connected to the elastic member to increase an amount of vibrations, wherein the mass body part is provided with protrusion portions for first contacting the lower case at the time of an external impact.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2014Date of Patent: December 6, 2016Assignee: MPLUS CO., LTD.Inventors: Dong Su Moon, Kyung Su Park, Sang Jin Lee, Jae Kyung Kim, Joon Choi, Yeon Ho Son
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Patent number: 9502634Abstract: An electrically conductive contact layer (4) is provided with a joining material (9) during a method for producing a piezoelectric component (1), in particular a piezoelectric sensor (1). To this end, the electrically conductive contact layer (4) can be dipped into a paste that serves to form the joining material (9). The contact layer (4) provided with the joining material (9) is subsequently disposed between a first piezoceramic layer (2) and a second piezoceramic layer (3). The contact layer (4) is then inserted via the joining material (9) between the first piezoceramic layer (2) and the second piezoceramic layer (3), wherein a pressure is applied to the first piezocermaic layer (2) against the second piezoceramic layer (3).Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Reinhold Melcher, Michael Guenther
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Patent number: 9461614Abstract: A resonator includes a piezoelectric core, a set of electrodes, and at least one ground terminal. The electrodes are arranged on the piezoelectric core and also includes at least one input electrode having a first width and at least one output electrode having a second width that differs from the first width. The ground terminal is also on the piezoelectric core.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: QUALCOMM INCORPORATEDInventors: Changhan Hobie Yun, Chengjie Zuo, Mario Francisco Velez, Daeik Daniel Kim, Jonghae Kim
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Patent number: 9452441Abstract: Disclosed is a dual air-chamber fully sealed piezoelectric nebulization module including a first casing, a second casing and a piezoelectric nebulization module, and the piezoelectric nebulization module is clamped between the casings by snapping and sealing to partition the internal space in the first casing and the second casing into two independent air chambers. In this design, a peripheral portion of the piezoelectric nebulization module is packaged to reduce the energy and vibration from being absorbed or inhibited during vibration and provides a space with good support and free vibration to enhance the nebulization efficiency. In addition, the design with the two independent air chambers can achieve the double-barrier sealing and isolating effect and reduce the chance of the piezoelectric nebulization module being corroded or damaged.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 2014Date of Patent: September 27, 2016Inventors: Shu-Pin Hsieh, Yung-Hsing Tung, Chien-Hua Lin, Yu-Chung Hsu, Chih-Jui Shen, Chi-Shan Hung, Ben Lo
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Patent number: 9445200Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a piezoelectric speaker having a weight that enables a frequency response characteristic of the piezoelectric speaker to be uniform by disposing a weight of a flexible material on an acoustic diaphragm or on and below an acoustic diaphragm of the piezoelectric speaker, thereby enhancing flatness of sound. The piezoelectric speaker having the weight includes a piezoelectric device having a piezoelectric layer and an electrode formed on or on and below the piezoelectric layer to apply an electrical signal to the piezoelectric layer; an acoustic diaphragm having a wider area than the piezoelectric device and bonded on one surface of the piezoelectric device; a frame disposed in a form that surrounds a side surface of the acoustic diaphragm; and a weight disposed above the acoustic diaphragm or above and below the acoustic diaphragm on which the piezoelectric device is disposed to thereby control a vibration.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2012Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: ELECTRONICS AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS RESEARCH INSTITUTEInventors: Hye Jin Kim, Woo Seok Yang
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Patent number: 9390739Abstract: A PZT microactuator such as for use in a hard disk drive has a restraining layer bonded on its side that is opposite the side on which the PZT will be mounted. The restraining layer comprises a stiff and resilient material such as stainless steel. The restraining layer can cover all of the top of the PZT, or most of the top of the PZT with an electrical connection being made to the PZT where it is not covered by the restraining layer. The restraining layer reduces bending of the PZT as mounted and hence increases effective stroke length, or reverses the sign of the bending which increases the effective stroke length of the PZT even further.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2015Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: MAGNECOMP CORPORATIONInventors: Long Zhang, Peter Hahn, Kuen Chee Ee
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Patent number: 9357312Abstract: A localized multimodal haptic system includes one or more electromechanical polymer (EMP) transducers, each including an EMP layer, such as an electrostrictive polymer active layer. In some applications the EMP transducer may perform an actuator function or a sensor function, or both. The EMP polymer layer has a first surface and a second surface on which one or more electrodes are provided. The EMP layer of the EMP actuator may be 5 microns thick or less. The EMP transducers may provide local haptic response to a local a stimulus. In one application, a touch sensor may be associated with each EMP transducer, such that the haptic event at the touch sensor may be responded to by activating only the associated EMP transducer. Furthermore, the EMP transducer may act as its own touch sensor. A variety of haptic responses may be made available. The EMP transducers may be used in various other applications, such as providing complex surface morphology and audio speakers.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2012Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Novasentis, Inc.Inventors: Christophe Ramstein, M. Fabrice Domingues Dos Santos
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Patent number: 9333535Abstract: A micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT) circuit, which has a MUT with a MUT membrane that can vibrate back and forth to transmit an ultrasonic wave, electrically controls the movement of the MUT membrane by controllably transferring energy to the MUT membrane, thereby allowing the MUT membrane to transmit substantially any desired ultrasonic wave.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATEDInventors: David Brian Barkin, Joshua Posamentier, Ira Oaktree Wygant
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Patent number: 9276454Abstract: An electromagnetic actuator includes a stator unit having N poles having the width LP, and at least one coil surrounding one of the poles, wherein N?3, and a magnetic portion, which is movable, relative to the stator unit, in a direction of relative movement and over a course of travel C, and including N+1 magnetized areas, the magnetizations of which are perpendicular to the relative movement direction and in alternate directions. The magnetic portion includes a yoke for closing off the magnetic fluxes passing through the magnetized areas, the course of travel C of the magnetic portion being less than or equal to the width LP of each pole, and the thickness of the magnetized areas perpendicular to the direction of movement being less than the course of travel C of the magnetic portion.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: MOVING MAGNET TECHNOLOGIES (MMT)Inventors: Richard Arlot, Guillaume Loussert
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Patent number: 9183829Abstract: A system includes a processor and a phased array, coupled to the processor, having an arrayed waveguide for acoustic waves to enable directional sound communication.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2012Date of Patent: November 10, 2015Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Sasikanth Manipatruni, Kelin J. Kuhn, Debendra Mallik, John C. Johnson
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Patent number: 9140668Abstract: A device for detecting at least one substance may include a resonator which, on its surface facing away from the carrier, is provided with a chemically sensitive layer for selectively binding a substance that is to be detected. An acoustic mirror is arranged between the carrier and the resonator. The acoustic mirror constitutes a band elimination filter having two closely adjacent notch frequencies, as a result of which the device is capable of oscillating in two resonant frequencies. The mass binding of the substance and the temperature can be determined computationally from the measured resonant frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2010Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventor: Martin Nirschl
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Patent number: 9117468Abstract: A PZT microactuator such as for a hard disk drive has a restraining layer bonded on its side that is opposite the side on which the PZT is mounted. The restraining layer comprises a stiff and resilient material such as stainless steel. The restraining layer can cover all of the top of the PZT, or most of the top of the PZT with an electrical connection being made to the PZT where it is not covered by the restraining layer. The restraining layer reduces bending of the PZT as mounted and hence increases effective stroke length, or reverses the sign of the bending which increases the effective stroke length of the PZT even further.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: August 25, 2015Assignee: MAGNECOMP CORPORATIONInventors: Long Zhang, Peter Hahn, Kuen Chee Ee
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Patent number: 9097569Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for use in a fluid medium includes at least one housing, e.g., a sleeve, which has at least one interior space, and at least one transducer core having at least one electroacoustic transducer element is accommodated in the interior space. The housing has a housing wall at least partially enclosing the transducer core using at least one hollow space.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 4, 2015Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Roland Mueller, Gerhard Hueftle, Michael Horstbrink, Tobias Lang, Sami Radwan, Bernd Kuenzl, Roland Wanja
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Patent number: 8997590Abstract: A multi-part mounting device for an ultrasonic transducer, the mounting device comprising a first part configured to mount the mounting device on a housing of an ultrasonic test probe, and a second part configured to retain the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the second part is at least in touching contact with the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the second part comprises a first plastic and is connected by positive fit to the first part, and wherein the first part has a greater hardness than the second part.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: GE Sensing & Inspection Technologies GmbHInventors: York Oberdoerfer, Judith Duerscheid, Jochen Zilz, Willi Warkowski, Marek Parusel
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Patent number: 8981618Abstract: A tunable acoustic resonator device has a piezoelectric medium as a first thin film layer and a tunable crystal medium as a second thin film layer. The tunable crystal medium has a first acoustic behavior over an operating temperature range under a condition of relatively low applied stress and a second acoustic behavior under a condition of relatively high applied stress. The acoustic behaviors are substantially different and, consequently, the different levels of applied stress are used to tune the acoustic resonator device. Compared with the tunable resonator device consisting of only tunable crystal medium, a device having both the piezoelectric and tunable crystal medium has advantages such as larger inherent bandwidth and less nonlinearity with AC signals. The device also requires a smaller applied stress (i.e. bias voltage) to achieve the required frequency tuning.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Cymatics Laboratories Corp.Inventors: Rajarishi Sinha, L. Richard Carley, Deok-Yang Kim
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Publication number: 20150043095Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to provide shutter and/or aperture control.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 23, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventors: Michael Gabriel Lipton, Ilya Polyakov, Jonathan R. Heim
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Publication number: 20150045701Abstract: An ultrasonic actuated unit includes an intermediary portion continuous with an ultrasonic transmitting portion or connected to the ultrasonic transmitting portion at a node position of a longitudinal vibration, and a noncontact vibrating portion extending in directions parallel to a longitudinal axis without contacting the ultrasonic transmitting portion, an imprecise vibration being transmitted to the noncontact vibrating portion from the ultrasonic transmitting portion via the intermediary portion. The ultrasonic actuated unit includes a vibration absorbing portion absorbing the imprecise vibration transmitted to the noncontact vibrating portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2014Publication date: February 12, 2015Inventor: Tsunetaka AKAGANE
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Publication number: 20150036346Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for manufacturing a resonator in a substrate characterized in that it includes the following steps: a) modifying the structure of at least one region of the substrate in order to make said at least one region more selective; b) etching said at least one region in order to selectively manufacture said resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2012Publication date: February 5, 2015Applicant: The Swatch Group Research and Development LtdInventors: Thierry Hessler, Silvio Dalla Piazza
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Publication number: 20150008794Abstract: A lower surface of a circular support plate made of resin is fixed to an upper surface of a ring-shaped frame. A circular through hole is provided in a center portion of the support plate, a lower surface of a circular metal plate is fixed to a portion of an upper surface of the support plate positioned at the circumference of the through hole. An upper-groove is provided in a ring shape positioned inward of an upper surface of the metal plate. A shock absorbing member made of elastic materials is provided in the upper groove of the metal plate. A piezoelectric element is provided on a portion of the upper surface of the metal plate positioned inward from the shock absorbing member, and a portion of an upper surface of the shock absorbing member positioned on an inner periphery portion of the shock absorbing member.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicant: NEC CASIO MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.Inventors: Yasuharu Onishi, Yukio Murata, Yuichiro Kishinami, Motoyoshi Komoda
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Patent number: RE45464Abstract: The present invention relates to animated devices that include one or more electroactive polymer transducers. When actuated by electrical energy, an electroactive polymer produces mechanical deflection in one or more directions. This deflection may be used to produce motion of a feature included in an animated device. Electroactive polymer transducers offer customizable shapes and deflections. Combining different ways to configure and constrain a polymer, different ways to arrange active areas on a single polymer, different animated device designs, and different polymer orientations, permits a broad range of animated devices that use an electroactive polymer transducer to produce motion. These animated devices find use in a wide range of animated device applications.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Inventors: Roy D. Kornbluh, Ronald E. Pelrine, Qibing Pei, Joseph S. Eckerle