Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to provide shutter and/or aperture control.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including: a housing having an internal space; a vibrator disposed and vibrating within the housing; and a plurality of damper members installed in at least one of the housing and the vibrator and formed of different materials, wherein the plurality of damper members are overlapped and formed integrally with each other or are disposed to be adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric vibrating device including a case provided with a certain space therein, a piezoelectric vibrating member provided in the case and vibrating according to an applied voltage, a weight member provided in the case and connected to a part of the piezoelectric vibrating member in a vibration direction of the piezoelectric vibrating member, and a limitation member for limiting movement of the weight member.

Abstract: There is provided a vibration generating apparatus including a vibration transferring member transferring vibrations to outside the vibration generating apparatus, an elastic member having one or more end portions fixed to the vibration transferring member, a mass body vibrating in response to vibrations of the elastic member, and a piezoelectric element installed on one surface of the elastic member so as to be disposed to face the mass body. A lower surface of the mass body has step parts in order to prevent contact between the mass body and the piezoelectric element. The lower surface of the mass body in which the step parts are formed and the piezoelectric element are disposed so as to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A wear cap including a flexible barrel and a rigid disc enables a high-frequency ultrasonic transducer to properly align to the surface of a material to be tested. The wear cap may be employed for any type of contact sensor that requires a protective wear cap and that needs to align to the surface of a material to be tested. An ultrasonic transducer assembly includes a wear cap and an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic transducer is mounted in the wear cap and includes a transducer body with a cylindrical shape. A method of producing a wear cap for an ultrasonic transducer includes selecting a flexible material, forming a flexible barrel from the flexible material, selecting a rigid material, forming a rigid disc from the rigid material, and affixing the rigid disc to an end of the flexible barrel.

Abstract: 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.