Bending Type Patents (Class 310/330)
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Patent number: 12631505Abstract: A flexible strain sensor comprises a sensing area, a connection area, an encapsulation layer and a flexible substrate. The sensing area and the connection area are made of the same conductive material by adjusting size structures of different areas. The sensor is prepared by performing one-step printing of carbon black-silicone rubber composite conductive paste on a fabric substrate on the basis of a screen printing process. The method is simple and convenient to operate, is low in manufacturing cost and is suitable for large-scale production; and the prepared sensor has a high sensitivity (?10), a large strain range (˜100%), a low hysteresis quality and a good stability, and can be applied to the fields of human body motion detection, intelligent medical service, etc. The method for preparing a sensor in the present invention has important reference value for industrial production of a flexible strain sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2021Date of Patent: May 19, 2026Assignees: SOUTH CHINA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, ZHONGSHAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY OF SCUTInventors: Lin Shu, Xiaobin Chen, Xiangmin Xu
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Patent number: 12611861Abstract: A liquid ejecting head includes: a piezoelectric element including a piezoelectric layer; a pressure compartment substrate in which a pressure compartment is provided; and a diaphragm that applies pressure to liquid in the pressure compartment by vibrating by being driven by the piezoelectric element. The pressure compartment substrate, the diaphragm, and the piezoelectric element are stacked in this order in a stacking direction. A neutral plane of a stacked body made up of the piezoelectric element and the diaphragm is located inside the piezoelectric layer. Of two regions obtained by dividing the piezoelectric layer with respect to the neutral plane, a region located closer to the diaphragm is defined as a lower region, and a region located farther from the diaphragm is defined as an upper region. A piezoelectric constant of the lower region is less than a piezoelectric constant of the upper region.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2024Date of Patent: April 28, 2026Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Masanori Mikoshiba, Motoki Takabe
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Patent number: 12588418Abstract: In a piezoelectric device, when viewed in a direction perpendicular to one main surface, an outer shape of a recess is a polygonal shape or a circular shape. When n represents a number of sides of the polygonal shape, r represents a radius of a circumscribed circle of an imaginary regular polygon including n sides with a length identical to a length of a shortest of the sides, and d represents a maximum thickness of a membrane portion, which is located above the recess, of a multilayer portion, r?197.7 dn?0.6698 when 3?n?7, and r?52.69 d when 8?n or when the outer shape of the recess is a circular shape.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2022Date of Patent: March 24, 2026Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yutaka Kishimoto, Shinsuke Ikeuchi, Masashi Omura
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Patent number: 12550616Abstract: A piezoelectric film stack is created by forming a lower electrode stack on a structured substrate. A pyrochlore lead zirconium titanate (PZT) buffer substrate layer is then formed on the lower electrode stack. A rapid thermal anneal of the PZT buffer substrate layer is then performed. Epitaxial perovskite (100) PZT film on the PZT buffer substrate layer is grown. An upper electrode stack is formed on the perovskite (100) PZT film.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2022Date of Patent: February 10, 2026Assignee: FUJIFILM DIMATIX, INC.Inventors: Youming Li, Diane Liu, Darren Imai
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Patent number: 12533107Abstract: The present description concerns an ultrasound imaging device (100) comprising an assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, and an acoustic coupling layer (140) coating said assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, wherein the acoustic coupling layer (140) is made of an activatable polymer material configured to have a first Young's modulus during a phase of acquisition of an ultrasound image and a second Young's modulus greater than the first Young's modulus outside of said acquisition phase.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: January 27, 2026Assignee: MODULEUSInventors: Edgard Jeanne, Lucie Ordronneau
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Patent number: 12527554Abstract: The present description concerns an ultrasound imaging device (100) comprising an assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, an acoustic coupling layer (140) coating said assembly (101) of ultrasound transducers, and a heating device (150) adapted to heating an object to be imaged arranged on the acoustic coupling layer (140) during a phase of acquisition of an ultrasound image.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2022Date of Patent: January 20, 2026Assignee: MODULEUSInventors: Edgard Jeanne, Lucie Ordronneau, Mathieu Roy
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Patent number: 12501833Abstract: A flexible sensor is provided which has a flexible substrate of polymeric material, a bottom electrode layer arranged on the flexible substrate and configured to be a reference electrode, an active layer of piezoelectric material arranged on the bottom electrode layer, a top electrode layer arranged on the active layer and configured to be connected to a signal conductor, and a flexible coating layer of polymeric material that cooperates with the flexible substrate to encapsulate the bottom electrode layer, the active layer, and the top electrode layer. The flexible sensor has an additional layer of metal material arranged on the flexible coating layer and short-circuited to the bottom electrode layer, the additional layer and the bottom electrode layer acting as an electromagnetic shield for the flexible sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2020Date of Patent: December 16, 2025Assignee: Fondazione Istituto Italiano di TecnologiaInventors: Lara Natta, Prospero Lombardi, Vincenzo Mastronardi, Francesco Guido, Antonio Qualtieri, Marco Di Rienzo, Massimo De Vittorio
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Patent number: 12462836Abstract: An apparatus includes a top section, a middle section, and a bottom section of a spring actuator for a tape drive that form a C-shape of the spring actuator. The middle section includes three flexor columns, where a first writer module is bonded to a first flexor column from the three flexor columns, a reader module is bonded to a second flexor column from the three flexor columns, and a second writer module is bonded to a third flexor column from the three flexor columns.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2024Date of Patent: November 4, 2025Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Evan Wheelwright, David Harper, Chase Alan Steeves, Kevin Bruce Judd
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Patent number: 12389798Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes a beam portion with a fixed end portion and a free end portion opposite to the fixed end portion. The beam portion extends from the fixed end portion towards the free end portion. The beam portion includes a multilayer body including a piezoelectric layer and first and second electrode layers. A base is connected with the fixed end portion of the beam portion. As viewed from a layering direction of the multilayer body, the base surrounds the beam portion at an interval from the beam portion except for the fixed end portion. As viewed from the layering direction, an average of a dimension of a width of the beam portion in an orthogonal or substantially orthogonal direction to an extension direction of the beam portion is greater than a maximal dimension of a length thereof in the extension direction.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2022Date of Patent: August 12, 2025Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinsuke Ikeuchi, Fumiya Kurokawa, Seiji Umezawa, Masayuki Suzuki
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Patent number: 12368396Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus can comprise one or more sliding mass cantilever devices. Cantilever devices can be structured as monolithic integrated structures with a mass coupled to a cantilever beam, where the mass has one or more cavities in which a liquid or solid particles are disposed. A cap can be arranged on the mass to prevent the liquid or solid particles from exiting the cavities in which they are embedded. The cantilever devices can be structured as microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonators with a tunable resonant frequency. Such cantilever devices can be implemented as energy harvesting devices.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2021Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: UNM Rainforest InnovationsInventor: Nathan Morrow Jackson
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Patent number: 12368425Abstract: A method for manufacturing a film bulk acoustic resonance device is disclosed. The proposed method, wherein the device has a specific resonant frequency, includes: providing a substrate having a recess, wherein the recess has a height; configuring a first piezoelectric material layer on the substrate, and causing the recess to form an air gap; configuring a lower electrode on the first piezoelectric material layer; when the height is in a first range, causing a resonant frequency of the film bulk acoustic resonance device versus the height to have a first slope; when the height is in a second range, causing the resonant frequency versus the height to have a second slope; and causing the first slope to be smaller than the second slope.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2021Date of Patent: July 22, 2025Assignee: Taiwan Carbon Nano Technology CorporationInventors: Tsung Fu Yen, Kuang-Jui Chang, Chiun-Shian Tsai, Ting-Chuan Lee, Chiun-Rung Tsai
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Patent number: 12345134Abstract: A downhole energy harvesting system includes a housing subjected to periodic oscillations. An energy harvesting device is on, in, or otherwise connected to the housing and positioned to generate electricity based on the periodic oscillations. The energy harvesting device is coupled to at least one of a powered component or an energy storage device in order to use or store the harvested energy.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2023Date of Patent: July 1, 2025Assignee: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATIONInventors: Jonathan Robert Hird, Andrew David Robinson
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Patent number: 12313978Abstract: An optical assembly of a projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography comprises an optical element and an actuator for deforming the optical element. The actuator is subjected to a bias voltage by a controller that is present. A projection exposure apparatus for semiconductor lithography comprises an optical assembly. A method for operating an actuator for deforming an optical element for semiconductor lithography comprises subjecting the actuator to a bias voltage by a controller.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2022Date of Patent: May 27, 2025Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventors: Andreas Raba, Johannes Lippert, Markus Raab
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Patent number: 12289095Abstract: A filter system includes a first resonator having a first resonant frequency, and a second resonator having a second resonant frequency different from the first resonant frequency, and electrically connected to the first resonator. A first response characteristic of the first resonator and a second response characteristic of the second resonator with respect to a frequency include a first section in which a first phase of the first resonator is equal to a second phase of the second resonator, and a second section in which the first phase is different from the second phase by 180 degrees. A first electrode of the first resonator is reversely connected to a second electrode of the second resonator.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2021Date of Patent: April 29, 2025Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sungchan Kang, Cheheung Kim, Sangha Park, Yongseop Yoon, Choongho Rhee
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Patent number: 12275247Abstract: A liquid discharge head includes a nozzle member. The nozzle member includes a nozzle, a deformable laminar member, and an electromechanical transducer. The nozzle discharges liquid. The deformable laminar member has an opening forming the nozzle. The electromechanical transducer is disposed around the opening. The nozzle member is warped with respect to a discharge-side plane of the nozzle member in a surrounding area of the nozzle when no voltage is applied to the electromechanical transducer.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2022Date of Patent: April 15, 2025Assignee: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.Inventors: Toshiaki Masuda, Keiji Ueda, Kaname Morita, Takahiko Kuroda, Naoko Kitaoka, Arata Suzuki
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Patent number: 12273053Abstract: The present application provides a motor and an electronic device, where the motor includes a housing, a first electric vibration part, and a mass block; an accommodating cavity is disposed in the housing, the first electric vibration part and the mass block are disposed in the accommodating cavity, a first end of the first electric vibration part is connected to the housing, and a second end of the first electric vibration part is connected to the mass block; and when a voltage is applied to the first electric vibration part, the first electric vibration part drives the mass block to move.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2022Date of Patent: April 8, 2025Assignee: VIVO MOBILE COMMUNICATION CO., LTD.Inventors: Xu Chen, Cheng Cai
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Patent number: 12256641Abstract: An energy harvesting device for powering electronic devices such as wireless sensors and IoT devices is described. The device relies on nature's fundamental forces to convert kinetic energy to electrical energy, acting as power source; while accounting for the Casimir force. Nanotechnology and MEMS are used to fabricate the device embedding a mechanical oscillator, electronic circuitry, energy harvester, and transducer integrated in the same packaging. The device supports mechanism to excite and ignite the oscillatory behavior via RF signal from a remote signal source that synthesizes the RF signal on a fix or mobile platform. Additionally, solar and RF signals may be added constructively to boost the output power of the device. The device scales from micron size to blades and racks formed from arrays of the connected devices to increase the output power of the aggregate system to any desired level for powering home appliances or computer networks.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2023Date of Patent: March 18, 2025Inventor: Ramin Sadr
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Patent number: 12250887Abstract: An energy harvesting module includes a pendular unit with piezoelectric transducer elastically deformable in bending between a clamped end and a free end coupled to an inertial mass. The piezoelectric transducer includes two coplanar piezoelectric beams arranged side-by-side on either side of a central axis of the transducer, each of the piezoelectric beams including adjacent external and internal arms, arranged side-by-side and formed single-piece. The external arm of each beam has a clamped proximal end and a free distal end, and the internal arm of each beam has a free proximal end supporting the inertial mass, and a free distal end connected to the distal end of the adjacent external arm by a common junction.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2022Date of Patent: March 11, 2025Assignee: CAIRDACInventors: Alaa Makdissi, Willy Regnier, An Nguyen-Dinh, Julien Dohin, Steeven Vassal, Thien Hoang
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Patent number: 12239021Abstract: The present disclosure provides a piezoelectric element, a piezoelectric vibrator, and a manufacturing method thereof, and an electronic device, and the present disclosure relates to the field of piezoelectric technologies. In the present disclosure, the piezoelectric element is provided with a first electrode and a second electrode positioned on the first electrode. The second electrode is provided with an opening where the first electrode is exposed. A piezoelectric structure is further arranged in the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric structure includes a first piezoelectric portion and a second piezoelectric portion arranged around the first piezoelectric portion. The first piezoelectric portion is arranged in the opening and is in contact with the first electrode, the second piezoelectric portion is arranged on a side of the second electrode away from the first electrode, and the second piezoelectric portion has orientation.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2021Date of Patent: February 25, 2025Assignee: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yuju Chen
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Patent number: 12222236Abstract: Aspects of self-powered weigh-in-motion systems and methods that utilize piezoelectric components for sensing load as well as powering data acquisition and analysis components. In one example, the weigh-in-motion system includes a number of piezoelectric stacks, each stack including a number of piezoelectric elements. Each stack includes one or more top or upper piezoelectric element that provides vehicle sensing data. Each stack also includes a set of piezoelectric elements used for energy harvesting. The sensing piezoelectric elements are connected to a data input of a microcontroller for vehicle classification, while the energy harvesting piezoelectric elements are connected to a power input of the microcontroller.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2022Date of Patent: February 11, 2025Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEMInventors: Sara Ahmed, Mohamadreza Khalili, Athanassios Thomas Papagiannakis, Gopal Vishwakarma, Samer Dessouky
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Patent number: 12203489Abstract: A linear fan blade assembly including a wire spring having a first end attached to a fan blade and a second end attached to a fan frame. The fan blade includes a free end such that the blade can oscillate by pivoting on the wire spring. The wire spring flexes to enable the fan blade to oscillate.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2020Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: NeoFan, Inc.Inventor: Timothy S. Lucas
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Patent number: 12202723Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are disclosed. The MEMS switch may have an actuation voltage greater than the expected voltage of a signal being passed by the MEMS switch in normal operation. The MEMS switches may include a distributed hinge structure in some embodiments. Radial contact pads are included in some embodiments, with or separate from the distributed hinge.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2022Date of Patent: January 21, 2025Assignee: Analog Devices International Unlimited CompanyInventors: Padraig Fitzgerald, Michael James Twohig, James Lee Lampen, Philip James Brennan
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Patent number: 12133362Abstract: A cooling system including a support structure and a cooling element is described. The cooling element has a thickness and includes an anchored region and a cantilevered arm. The anchored region is coupled to and supported by the support structure. The cantilevered arm extends outward from the anchored region. The cantilevered arm includes at least one cavity therein. The at least one cavity has a depth of at least one-third and not more than three-fourths of the thickness of the cooling element. The cooling element is configured to undergo vibrational motion when actuated to drive a fluid for cooling a heat-generating structure.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: October 29, 2024Assignee: Frore Systems Inc.Inventors: Vikram Mukundan, Ananth Saran Yalamarthy, Suryaprakash Ganti, Seshagiri Rao Madhavapeddy, Prabhu Sathyamurthy
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Patent number: 12120958Abstract: A method of manufacturing a ceramic structure, a method of manufacturing a ceramic structure with multiple layers of ceramic material, and a method of manufacturing a piezoelectric ceramic structure. The method of manufacturing a ceramic structure includes the steps of: placing a sheet of ceramic material on a supporting platform, wherein the supporting platform is arranged to elevate the sheet of ceramic material from a base of the supporting platform by supporting only a first portion of the sheet of ceramic material; sintering the sheet of ceramic material; and during the step of sintering of the sheet of ceramic material, facilitating forming a curvature on the sheet of ceramic material at a second portion of the sheet of ceramic material which is not supported by the supporting platform.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2021Date of Patent: October 15, 2024Assignee: City University of Hong KongInventors: Zhengbao Yang, Yao Shan
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Patent number: 12103434Abstract: A transportation vehicle may be equipped with electrical energy harvesting systems to harvest electrical energy for use. By way of example, the transportation vehicle includes a Venturi system and a plurality of energy harvesting systems. The Venturi system is configured to receive and accelerate the speed of an incoming air flow and based on the incoming air flow, each of the energy harvesting systems is configured to receive the accelerated incoming air flow and to generate electrical energy from the accelerated incoming air flow. The generated electrical energy is stored into onboard batteries in the transportation vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2023Date of Patent: October 1, 2024Inventors: Esther In, Sungyong In
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Patent number: 12094675Abstract: Various embodiments include an arrangement comprising a plurality of MEMS switches with movable elements. The plurality of MEMS switches are connected to one another in a total-cross-tied configuration.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2020Date of Patent: September 17, 2024Assignee: ROBERT BOSCH GMBHInventors: Franziska Lambrecht, Markus Schwarz
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Patent number: 12083559Abstract: A vibrating device includes a diaphragm that includes first and second vibrating portions and a fixation portion, first and second piezoelectric vibrators that are provided at the first and second vibrating portions, respectively, and fixation electrodes. The fixation portion includes a first side portion and a second side portion that extend in different directions. The diaphragm and the fixation electrodes are provided integrally as a single monolithic member. The first vibrating portion extends from the first side portion and the fixation electrodes extend from the second side portion.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2021Date of Patent: September 10, 2024Assignee: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.Inventors: Kazuyuki Ikeda, Kenji Kagayama, Shogo Tokoi
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Patent number: 12041416Abstract: A panel speaker includes: a panel; a vibration actuator that vibrates the panel, the vibration actuator having first and second oppositely-facing surfaces, the first surface facing the panel; a bracket that is located between the first surface of the vibration actuator and the panel; a spacer that is located adjacent to the second surface of the vibration actuator, the spacer occupying a first area that is encompassed by a second area occupied by the bracket when the panel speaker is viewed in a direction that is perpendicular to a plane of the second surface; and a screw that passes through the spacer, the vibration actuator, and the bracket to fasten the spacer, the vibration actuator, and the bracket to the panel. The vibration actuator, disposed between the bracket and the spacer, is fastened by the screw to the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2022Date of Patent: July 16, 2024Assignee: DENSO TEN LimitedInventors: Shinichi Ikeda, Yasutaka Yamanaka
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Patent number: 11988640Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer device includes a bottom electrode layer of a transducer cavity disposed over a substrate. The bottom electrode layer includes a bottom layer of a first type metal; a top layer of the first type metal; a second type metal disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer; and at least one intermediate layer of the first type metal disposed between the bottom layer and the top layer, the at least one intermediate layer configured so as to define at least two discrete layers of the second type metal.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2021Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: BFLY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Jianwei Liu, Lingyun Miao, Victor L. Pushparaj
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Patent number: 11988301Abstract: A valve assembly for a fuel tank includes a cage having a seat that defines an aperture and a spring latch that holds a poppet in an intermediate-open position, which spaces the poppet from a seat to allow fluid communication through an aperture. A method of operating a valve assembly due to a first-time fueling event is disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2022Date of Patent: May 21, 2024Assignee: Eaton Intelligent Power LimitedInventors: Raymond Bruce McLauchlan, Brian J. O'Neil, Kandice M. Kawala, Robert J. Boychuk
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Patent number: 11965529Abstract: A linear fan including a fan blade attached a fan frame by a wire spring having a first end attached to the fan blade and a second end attached to the fan frame. The fan blade includes a free end such that the blade oscillates by pivoting on the wire spring. The the wire spring flexes to enable the fan blade to oscillate. The fan includes a motor for driving the oscillation of the fan blade. The motor includes an armature or permanent magnet connected to the fan blade and a stator assembly connected to the fan frame. The stator assembly includes a current carrying coil wrapped around a leg of a stator core. The motor is controlled to vary the direction of the current being carried in the coil to thereby change the direction of the magnetic field created by the stator assembly and cause the fan blade to oscillate.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2021Date of Patent: April 23, 2024Assignee: Neofan, Inc.Inventor: Timothy S. Lucas
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Patent number: 11946559Abstract: A vessel pressure regulating system with a multidirectional control valve device includes: a pressure source; the multidirectional control valve device, which includes a housing, an actuation unit, and a working element, the housing having an interior space, an input port, and an output port, the input port being in communication with the pressure source, the actuation unit having a stationary portion and a driving portion, and the working element being controlled by the driving portion in order to open or close the output port; a vessel in communication with the output port; and a control unit for controlling the operation of the pressure source and of the driving portion. The vessel pressure regulating system enables a safety airbag of a vehicle or a similar device in a chair, bed, or the like to function effectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2022Date of Patent: April 2, 2024Assignee: KOGE MICRO TECH CO., LTD.Inventors: Chih Chang, Po-Yuan Liao
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Patent number: 11901858Abstract: An energy harvesting tape comprising a plurality of flexible layers. The plurality of flexible layers includes a solar cell layer configured to capture solar energy, a thermoelectric layer configured to capture thermal energy, one or more piezoelectric layers configured to capture mechanical energy; and an electrode layer configured to capture radiofrequency energy and to transmit a radiofrequency signal. The energy harvesting tape also includes one or more processing units on at least one of the plurality of flexible layers. The one or more processing units are configured to use the captured energy from the plurality of flexible layers to transmit the radiofrequency signal. The energy harvesting tape has a length, a width, and a thickness, where the length is greater than the width, and the width is greater than the thickness.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: X DEVELOPMENT LLCInventors: Amit Lal, Dean Kawaguchi, Brion Koprowski
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Patent number: 11869549Abstract: A suspension for a disk drive includes a plate member having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, a first penetration portion penetrating the first surface and the second surface, and a second penetration portion spaced from the first penetration portion and penetrating the first surface and the second surface, an actuator provided on the second surface and having an electrode located in the first penetration portion, and a flexure having an electrode connection portion connected to the electrode. The electrode connection portion includes a first region and a second region having a thickness smaller than a thickness of the first region, and the second region overlaps the second penetration portion.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2023Date of Patent: January 9, 2024Assignee: NHK SPRING CO., LTD.Inventors: Shinji Sugiyama, Naoki Tanaka, Kazuhiro Sugiyama, Shuntaro Numata
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Patent number: 11839159Abstract: A transducer includes a supporting body and a suspended structure mechanically coupled to the supporting body. The suspended structure has a first and a second surface opposite to one another along an axis, and is configured to oscillate in an oscillation direction having at least one component parallel to the axis. A first piezoelectric transducer is disposed on the first surface of the suspended structure, and a second piezoelectric transducer is disposed on the second surface of the suspended structure.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2020Date of Patent: December 5, 2023Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.Inventors: Luca Seghizzi, Federico Vercesi, Claudia Pedrini
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Patent number: 11831295Abstract: Acoustic wave devices based on epitaxially grown heterostructures comprising appropriate combinations of epitaxially grown metallic transition metal nitride (TMN) layers, epitaxially grown Group III-nitride (III-N) piezoelectric semiconductor thin film layers, and epitaxially grown perovskite oxide (PO) layers. The devices can include bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices, high overtone bulk acoustic resonator (HBAR) devices, and composite devices comprising HBAR devices integrated with high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs).Type: GrantFiled: September 14, 2020Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Vikrant J. Gokhale, Brian P. Downey, Matthew T. Hardy, Eric N. Jin, Neeraj Nepal, D. Scott Katzer, David J. Meyer
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Patent number: 11807519Abstract: A microelectromechanical membrane transducer includes: a supporting structure; a cavity formed in the supporting structure; a membrane coupled to the supporting structure so as to cover the cavity on one side; a cantilever damper, which is fixed to the supporting structure around the perimeter of the membrane and extends towards the inside of the membrane at a distance from the membrane; and a damper piezoelectric actuator set on the cantilever damper and configured so as to bend the cantilever damper towards the membrane in response to an electrical actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2021Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: STMICROELECTRONICS S.r.l.Inventors: Domenico Giusti, Fabio Quaglia
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Patent number: 11812665Abstract: A composition includes at least one Pb/Ni/Nb - Pb/Mg/W - Pb/Zr/Ti mixed oxide. A piezoelectric device may be made by providing at least two layers comprising the composition and coated with an outer electrode material; providing a plurality of layers comprising the composition and coated with an inner electrode material; combining or stacking a plurality of layers coated with inner electrode materials between two outer electrodes; and sintering or co-firing the inner electrode materials and outer electrode materials at a temperature at or below about 1000° C.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2019Date of Patent: November 7, 2023Assignee: QorTek, Inc.Inventors: Ahmet Erkan Gurdal, Sinan Dursun, Safakcan Tuncdemir, Clive Randall
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Patent number: 11789557Abstract: A touchpad and an electronic device are disclosed. The touchpad includes a touch panel; a plurality of pressure sensors fixed to an elastic bracket and configured to detect a pressure applied on the touch panel; a piezoelectric ceramic assembly including a piezoelectric ceramic plate configured to provide a vibration feedback to a user, where the piezoelectric ceramic assembly is fixed below the touch panel in a suspended manner and spaced from the elastic bracket.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: SHENZHEN GOODIX TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.Inventors: Rong Zhang, Zhongbo Luo, Xiaoxia Yan, Xu Lu
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Patent number: 11788991Abstract: An acoustic inspection device according to an embodiment has: an acoustic transducer including a piezoelectric element having at least one of functions of transmitting and receiving acoustic waves, and having an acoustic function surface functioning as at least one of a transmitting surface and a receiving surface of acoustic waves; a couplant, which is provided directly or with an intermediate member therebetween on the acoustic function surface of the acoustic transducer and contains at least an elastomer, having a contact surface to be in contact with an inspection target and an uneven structure provided on the contact surface; and a loading mechanism which applies and removes a load to/from the couplant.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: October 17, 2023Assignee: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventors: Akiko Hirao, Noriko Yamamoto
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Patent number: 11736042Abstract: An energy producing device includes a piezoelectric layer having a first side and second side opposite of the first side, a first electrical contact arranged on the first side of the piezoelectric layer, a second electrical contact arranged on the second side of the piezoelectric layer, and a counter-layer arranged on the second electrical contact. The piezoelectric layer, first and second electrical contacts, and counter-layer form a beam having a neutral axis outside of the piezoelectric layer.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2019Date of Patent: August 22, 2023Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYInventors: Jürgen Kosel, Mohammed Asadullah Khan
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Patent number: 11689123Abstract: Modular inflation systems and inflation segments including an inflation enclosure and a plurality of artificial muscle layers provided within the inflation enclosure in a stacked arrangement, each of the plurality of artificial muscle layers including one or more artificial muscles, wherein one or more plurality of artificial muscles of each of the plurality of artificial muscle layers are operable between an actuated state and a non-actuated state, and one or more fastening members for attaching the inflation segment to another inflation segment.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: June 27, 2023Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Ty B. Ebling, Michael P. Rowe
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Patent number: 11664758Abstract: This invention comprises a panel or system of panels. Each panel comprises a top layer, which is comprised of tempered glass that is highly transparent to allow for maximum light wave transmission. These solar light waves are captured by the photovoltaic cell which comprises the second layer of the panel where this solar energy is converted into usable electrical energy. Vibrations experienced by the photopiezoelectric panel due to foot and lightweight vehicle traffic are absorbed by the PZT sheet layer, which is the third layer of the panel where they are converted into usable electrical energy. The fourth and final layer of the panel consists of the connector plate which serves as the hub and interconnection for gathering the generated electrical energies and transmitting them into the modular grid network to be consumed by various load devices, such as streetlights and other power-dependent city infrastructure.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2020Date of Patent: May 30, 2023Assignee: University of Louisiana at LafayetteInventors: Mohammad R. Madani, Michael S. Davis
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Patent number: 11637510Abstract: A funnel-shaped underwater energy harvesting equipment includes a piezoelectric element configured to be installed at a seabed and to be moved by a fluid in order to convert vibration energy into electricity. The funnel-shaped underwater energy harvesting equipment further includes a fluid collector coupled to the piezoelectric element and configured to increase velocity of the fluid flowing toward the piezoelectric element. The harvesting equipment exhibits improved energy conversion efficiency, while simplifying the shape of the harvesting equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 2020Date of Patent: April 25, 2023Assignees: Agency for Defense Development, Andong National University Industry-Academic Cooperation FoundationInventors: Chee-Young Joh, Hee-Seon Seo, Jong-Kil Lee, Hyun-Du Jin, Jin-Hyo Ahn
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Patent number: 11612901Abstract: A micro-pneumatic control unit comprising a plurality of control channels for generating the control pressures in a pneumatically actuated multi-channel coating head for coating components with a coating agent, a control channel being characterized by a valve element comprising a valve bore in a valve plate and a diaphragm layer which is below the valve plate and is configured as a diaphragm closing element in the region of the valve bore, the shape of which diaphragm closing element defined by recesses positioned laterally with respect to the valve bore, by a micro-actuator having a plunger that actuates the diaphragm closing element through the valve bore such that the valve element opens, by a second micro-pneumatic element connected in series with the valve element, the control pressure developing and a cavity located at the connection node thereof, which cavity is connected to at least one pneumatically operated coating agent ejector, and by a pneumatic pressurization of the micro-pneumatic control unit,Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: EXEL INDUSTRIES SAInventor: Burkhard Büstgens
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Patent number: 11617042Abstract: An acoustic transducer for generating electrical signals in response to acoustic signals, comprises a first diaphragm having a first corrugation formed therein. A second diaphragm has a second corrugation formed therein, and is spaced apart from the first diaphragm such that a cavity having a pressure lower than atmospheric pressure is formed therebetween. A back plate is disposed between the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm. One or more posts extend from at least one of the first diaphragm or the second diaphragm towards the other through the back plate. The one or more posts prevent each of the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm from contacting the back plate due to movement of the first diaphragm and/or the second diaphragm towards the back plate. Each of the first corrugation and the second corrugation protrude outwardly from the first diaphragm and the second diaphragm, respectively, away from the back plate.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: KNOWLES ELECTRONICS, LLC.Inventors: Michael Kuntzman, Michael Pedersen, Sung Bok Lee, Bing Yu, Vahid Naderyan, Peter Loeppert
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Patent number: 11601075Abstract: A layered actuation structure includes a first platform pair and a second platform pair. Each of the first platform pair and the second platform pair include an actuation platform and a mounting platform, forming an actuation cavity of each of the first platform pair and the second platform pair. One or more connecting ledges of each platform pair couple at least one of the actuation platform and the mounting platform of each platform pair to at least one of an actuation arm and a support arm, respectively. A collective stiffness of the one or more connecting ledges of the first platform pair is different than a collective stiffness of the one or more connecting ledges of the second platform pair. The layered actuation structure also includes one or more artificial muscles disposed in the actuation cavity of the first platform pair and the second platform pair.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2021Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventors: Michael P. Rowe, Shardul S. Panwar, Maduran Palaniswamy
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Patent number: 11601073Abstract: An energy harvester includes a frame having a base, a first side member affixed to the base, and a second side member affixed to the base and spaced apart from the first side member. A beam is coupled between the first side member of the frame and the second side member of the frame. The beam has a substrate layer with a first end affixed to the first side member of the frame, a second end affixed to the second side member of the frame, a first face, and a second face opposite to the first face. The substrate is elastically deformable in response to the vibratory force. The beam further includes a first piezoelectric layer joined to the first face of the substrate layer and having a terminal for electrical connection to a load, the first piezoelectric layer comprising at least one piezoelectric patch.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2017Date of Patent: March 7, 2023Assignee: The Research Foundation for The State University of New YorkInventors: Mohammad Amin Karami, Mohammad Hossein Ansari
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Patent number: 11527700Abstract: A microphone device may include: a substrate wafer, a support member bonded to a front surface of the substrate wafer, a single-crystal piezoelectric film provided over the support member, a top electrode and a bottom electrode. The single-crystal piezoelectric film may have a first surface and an opposing second surface. The top electrode may be arranged adjacent to the first surface of the single-crystal piezoelectric film. The bottom electrode may be arranged adjacent to the second surface of the single-crystal piezoelectric film. The substrate wafer may have a through-hole formed therein. The through-hole of the substrate wafer may be at least substantially aligned with at least one of the top electrode and the bottom electrode.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2019Date of Patent: December 13, 2022Assignee: VANGUARD INTERNATIONAL SEMICONDUCTOR SINGAPORE PTE. LTD.Inventors: You Qian, Joan Josep Giner De Haro, Rakesh Kumar
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Patent number: 11502686Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that an electrical switch for opening doors in buildings, calling elevators, and the like can be improved to require less physical contact, larger activation area, and multiple activation methods, with increased reliability, by utilizing a piezoelectric sensor specifically arranged between rigid, parallel mounting plates in which one of the plates (an inner plate) is rigidly fixed to prevent movement while the other plate (an outer plate) is accessible for receiving physical contact. By rigidly fixing the inner plate, such as by mounting to a wall or bollard, the sensor can react with sensitivity upon an application of less pressure on the outer plate. Such pressure compresses the sensor between the plates to produce an electrical signal. A controller receiving the signal can, in turn, execute to open a door, call an elevator and/or activate a light or sound to provide feedback.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2018Date of Patent: November 15, 2022Assignee: Wikk Industries, Inc.Inventors: James R. Krajewski, Josh L. Smith, Lynn M. Kleppin, Brian D. Hawthorne, Franklin Bradley, Randall Remblake