Abstract: A resonator device includes first and second resonators and an integrated circuit device. The integrated circuit device includes a first oscillation circuit configured to oscillate the first resonator, a second oscillation circuit configured to oscillate the second resonator, and a processing circuit configured to perform processing by using frequency difference information or frequency comparison information between a first clock signal generated by oscillating the first resonator and a second clock signal generated by oscillating the second resonator. The first resonator is supported on the integrated circuit device by a first support portion. The second resonator is supported on the integrated circuit device by a second support portion.

Abstract: A piezoelectric driver (10) includes n piezoelectric layers (3A to 3D) (where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2) that are stacked, with electrode layers (4B to 4D) each interposed between any adjacent piezoelectric layers, and with electrode layers (4A and 4E) further formed underneath the lowermost piezoelectric layer (3A) and on top of the uppermost piezoelectric layer (3D), and the piezoelectric driver (10) is bent and displaced in the direction in which the piezoelectric layers are stacked. A signal converter (11) converts an n-bit digital signal (IS) into n bits of a bit string data signal (BS) comprising of bit data indicating whether a drive voltage to be applied to each of the piezoelectric layers (3A to 3D) via the electrode layers (4A to 4B) is on or off.

Abstract: A device transducing fluid dynamic energy into electrical energy, usable as a flow meter or energy harvester, includes a mechanical interaction element with a fluid flow, which is brought into oscillation or vibration by the fluid flow, by way of one or more elastic suspension elements; a magnetic induction electromotive force generator, dynamically connected to the mechanical interaction element by the fluid flow, which crosses an electric conductor, moved in the magnetic field by the oscillating or vibrating motion of the mechanical interaction element, thus generating an induced current in the conductor; and a collection unit for the electrical signal generated by induction. The mechanical interaction element is suspended to oscillate around an axis transversal to the flow direction and corresponding to a transversal axis half way along the mechanical interaction element.

Abstract: An energy harvesting cantilever formed from multiple curved sections, with each curved section wrapped within the prior curved section but in an opposing direction, is the proposed solution to the problems described above. Such an energy harvesting cantilever favors bending over torsion, can be manufactured at a small scale, and will generate useful electrical energy with low frequency inputs.

Abstract: A piezoelectric micromachined ultrasound transducer (PMUT) is disclosed. The PMUT consists of a flexural membrane that is piezoelectrically actuated. These membranes are formed on a first substrate that is bonded to a second substrate. The two substrates are separated by an air gap to allow the PMUT to vibrate. Several methods for joining the two substrates are described.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical actuator device includes a fixed structure and a mobile structure. The mobile structure includes a first deformable band, a second deformable band, and a third deformable band, both of which extend on opposite sides of the first deformable band, each of which carries a piezoelectric actuator. In a working condition, in which the second and third piezoelectrics are biased, the second and third deformable bands are subjected to a negative bending, while the first deformable band is subjected to a positive bending. There are thus generated two translations that add together, causing a displacement of the first deformable band greater than the one that may be obtained by a single membrane of an equal base area.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes an optical fiber, an actuator, and a joint mechanically coupling the actuator to the optical fiber. The joint includes a neck extending along an axis. The optical fiber is threaded through an aperture extending along the axis through the neck. The optical fiber is attached to the joint at a surface of the neck facing the axis. The joint also includes a collar extending along the axis. The actuator is mechanically attached to the joint at an inner surface of the collar facing the axis. The joint also includes a flexural element extending radially from the neck to the collar. During operation, the joint couples a force from the actuator to the optical fiber to vary an orientation of a portion of the optical fiber extending from the neck with respect to the axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a position of one or more optical elements are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system may include a housing having a chamber formed therein, at least one non-linear crystal disposed in the chamber, the non-linear crystal configured to receive at least one incident signal and to convert a wavelength of at least a portion of the incident signal, and at least one shape memory alloy element disposed such that thermal or electrical energy applied to the shape memory alloy causes movement of the non-linear crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus for locking an electronic device includes an actuator, a return mechanism, and an arm. The actuator includes an actuator SMM wire that is configured to apply a contraction force. The return mechanism includes a return SMM wire that is configured to apply a return force opposite the contraction force. The arm is movable toward an unlocked position by the actuator and movable toward a locked position by the return force. The arm has at least one equilibrium position with less than 1 Newton of force on the arm from the actuator and less than 1 Newton of force on the arm from the return mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting a position of one or more optical elements are disclosed. In an embodiment, a system may include a housing having a chamber formed therein, at least one non-linear crystal disposed in the chamber, the non-linear crystal configured to receive at least one incident signal and to convert a wavelength of at least a portion of the incident signal, and at least one shape memory alloy element disposed such that thermal or electrical energy applied to the shape memory alloy causes movement of the non-linear crystal.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an electroacoustic transducer, comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode; a piezoelectric material at least partially sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode; and a flexible electrical connector in electrical connection with the first or second electrode at discrete points around a periphery of that electrode, the discrete points being distributed about a substantial portion of that periphery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward electronic devices configured to produce haptic effects, and to haptic enabled film overlays for pressure sensitive surfaces. The systems and methods for haptic enabled film overlays include a processor and a plurality of sensors, a pressure sensitive touch surface coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to detect a user interaction, and an overlay including a tactile user interface and a plurality of haptic output devices, the overlay being configured to provide a haptic effect in response to the user interaction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a piezoelectric microphone. The piezoelectric microphone comprises a substrate having a cavity-backed, and a piezoelectric film connected to the upper side of the substrate via an insulating layer. A position on the piezoelectric film, which is located at the inner side of a junction of the piezoelectric film and the substrate, is provided with a plurality of hollowed-out holes. The hollowed-out holes in the piezoelectric film are at least partly overlapped with the substrate. A gap is provided between the substrate and the position, where the hollowed-out holes are located, on the piezoelectric film. The gap and the hollowed-out holes a together form a channel.

Abstract: A power generation device is provided with: power generation plates, each of which has a vibration plate, and a piezoelectric element that is fixed to one side surface of the vibration plate, said power generation plates being disposed in parallel to each other such that the power generation plates overlap each other at intervals; and supporting sections, which are provided among the power generation plates, and which support the power generation plates.

Abstract: The bluff body attaches to an elastic mount and is capable of generate vortex shedding when the elastic mount orients the bluff body in a flow-line traverse to a fluid flow and vibrates in response to the vortex shedding. A harvester is located within the bluff body and is capable of generating power above a specified threshold in response to the vibration.

Abstract: A touch detection device has a sensing unit that includes a contact portion which comes into contact with an object, a vibration excitation element that vibrates the contact portion, a detection circuit that includes a drive circuit and a contact determination circuit, and an electrical wire that connects the vibration excitation element and the detection circuit, and is covered with a covering material. The vibration excitation element is covered with a potting layer made of resin through a predetermined internal space. While being inserted into the potting layer, the electrical wire has an end connected to the vibration excitation element, and an insertion portion inserted into the potting layer includes a non-covering portion formed by peeling of the covering material.

Abstract: A composite material fabricated using a novel process and materials. The piezoelectric and magnetostrictive layers of the composite material are coated, layered, and bonded using a process known as LTTLP bonding. The resulting magnetoelectric composite fibers are bonded to a polyimide film based copper flexible circuit using a room temperature curing epoxy. The sensor that results is an MEMFC that outperforms conventionally fabricated MEMFCs.

Abstract: A bender bar acoustic transducer capable of exciting at least three resonance modes is provided. The provided bender bar acoustic transducer may be capable of exciting a second resonance mode by configuring a first portion of a piezoelectric element to contract while a second portion of the piezoelectric element expands when voltage is applied to electrodes coupled to the piezoelectric element. The bender bar acoustic transducer may be further configured such that the first portion and the second portion of the piezoelectric element both contract and/or expand to excite a first resonance mode. The bender bar acoustic transducer may be used in downhole and well logging applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for vortex energy harvesting for downhole applications and a method thereof, the system comprising: one or more electro acoustic technology assemblies mounted downhole in close proximity to a fiber optic cable that is part of a fiber optic distributed acoustic sensing system connected back to a surface distributed acoustic sensing interrogator; and one or more vortex energy harvesters attached to each of the electro acoustic technology assemblies and exposed to a fluid flow in the downhole application.

Abstract: A data readout device is provided and includes a reflective base, reflective sidewalls disposed about the reflective base and an actuation system. The actuation system is configured to modify relative positioning of one of the reflective base and the reflective sidewalls to either reflect incoming radiation back toward an origin thereof or to reflect the incoming radiation away from the origin thereof.

Abstract: A flapping fan for cooling electronic devices includes an elongated piezo actuator, two supporting members, two connecting members, and a thin blade. The supporting members are attached to the piezo actuator at its two ends, while the blade is connected to the piezo actuator through the connecting members. When activated by an AC signal, the piezo actuator oscillates around its neutral position, which causes the blade to oscillate. The blade rotates around its leading edge when its direction of motion changes, keeping its angle of incidence lower than ninety degrees. This helps the flapping fan to generate a significant air flow.

Abstract: A smart lock system and method having a smart lock element, a data entry interface element; a mechanically operated power generator such as a dynamo as the sole power source; and an electronic control element. A separate controller is in communication with the smart lock element, only when the dynamo provides power to the smart lock. The controller element constantly receives and store updated key code information from a remote location source. With the providing of the operating energy to the smart lock the electronic control element receives and stores updated key code information from the controller, if any, prior to any unlocking activation of the locking mechanism. The electronic control element compares stored key code information with entered key codes and the locking mechanism is unlocked thereafter with entry of a valid key code corresponding to a key code stored in the electronic control element.

Abstract: In an embodiment for use with a portable device, a haptic feedback system creates a haptic pop effect and the system may include a mechanism configured to produce a haptic pop effect and a controller electronically coupled with the mechanism to selectively activate the mechanism. In one example, the mechanism has a first normal state having mechanical energy stored therein, and a second state wherein said mechanical energy is released, thereby creating the haptic pop effect. The mechanism may include a material portion configured as a dome-shaped or arcuate diaphragm and made of metal that stores mechanical energy therein. A conductor such as a Nitinol wire may be positioned about and bonded to the perimeter of the material, and has a variable length of a first length to a shorter second length in response to the signal being applied to the mechanism.

Abstract: Provided are an electroacoustic transduction film and an electroacoustic transducer capable of reproducing a sound with a sufficient sound volume and preventing deterioration of appearance. The electroacoustic transduction film includes: a polymer composite piezoelectric body in which piezoelectric body particles are dispersed in a viscoelastic matrix formed of a polymer material having viscoelasticity at a normal temperature; a lower thin film electrode laminated on one principal surface of the polymer composite piezoelectric body; a lower protective layer laminated on the lower thin film electrode; an upper thin film electrode formed on the other principal surface of the polymer composite piezoelectric body; an upper protective layer laminated on the upper thin film electrode; and a colored layer laminated on at least one of a surface layer side of the upper thin film electrode and a surface layer side of the lower thin film electrode.

Abstract: A method for electrically contacting a piezoelectric ceramic includes: providing the piezoelectric ceramic having electrodes for electrically contacting the piezoelectric ceramic and having a flexible, electrically conductive film; producing a composite by applying the flexible, electrically conductive film at least partially to an electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic; forming a durable, electrically conductive connection between the flexible, electrically conductive film and the electrode of the piezoelectric ceramic. Also a sound transducer, as well as a sound transducer array produced using the method for electrically contacting a piezoelectric ceramic.

Abstract: Provided are an electrostrictive element comprising film electrodes that have a good elasticity and conductivity, and a manufacturing method therefor. Film electrodes 3 of an electrostrictive element 1 are sheet-shaped carbon nanotube aggregates 6, and can expand in the fiber direction while maintaining a state in which carbon nanotubes 7 overlap with each other, when the dielectric film 2 expands.

Abstract: An electrostrictive element that can prevent the breakage includes a current collector that is constituted by sheet-shaped carbon nanotube aggregates, and can expand in the fiber direction in a state in which carbon nanotubes overlap with each other, when a dielectric film expands.

Abstract: Apparatus for generating a target physical effect, at least one attribute of which corresponds to at least one characteristic of a digital input signal sampled periodically, the apparatus comprising a multiplicity of electrostatic actuator elements, each comprising a moving element moving between first and second electrodes, the multiplicity of electrostatic actuator elements including Nr first subsets (R-subsets) of actuator elements and Nc second subsets (C-subsets) of actuator elements, wherein a first partitioning of the multiplicity of actuator elements yields the Nr first subsets (R-subsets) and a second partitioning of the multiplicity of actuator elements yields the Nc second subsets (C-subsets); a first plurality of Nr electrical connections (R-wires) interconnecting the moving elements of actuator elements in each R-subset, such that the moving element of any actuator element in each individual R-subset is electrically connected to the moving elements of all other actuator elements in the individual

Abstract: An electronic circuit to capture legacy lock controller pulses and reduce the energy consumed. The legacy pulse is captured, converted to power to power the circuit and the direction of the pulse—polarity—is determined. A substitute pulse is created at lower power and sent to a motor actuator in the lock. The total power consumed is substantially reduced by reducing the duration and voltage of the pulse. In the preferred design, the circuit also detects control voltages for solenoid locks and produces suitable control signals for a motor actuator.

Abstract: An energy harvester includes a circuit for collecting an excess of electrical charges on a first connection terminal, wherein the circuit is equipped with a first controllable mechanical switch, and a control device for the first switch. There is a transducer suitable for directly transforming, without consuming the excess of electrical charges present on the first connection terminal, the variation of the energy to be harvested into a mechanical deformation which displaces the first switch from its open position to its closed position.

Abstract: A power generating element is provided. The power generating element includes a piezoelectric body and a pair of electrodes. The piezoelectric body is expandable and contractible in response to a movement of a moving body. The piezoelectric body undergoes a deformation when expanding or contracting and generates power when undergoing the deformation. The pair of electrodes extracts the power generated as the piezoelectric body undergoes the deformation.

Abstract: An acoustic wave device includes: a piezoelectric film located on a substrate; a lower electrode and an upper electrode facing each other across the piezoelectric film; a temperature compensation film located on a surface, which is opposite to the piezoelectric film, of at least one of the lower electrode and the upper electrode and having a temperature coefficient of elastic constant opposite in sign to a temperature coefficient of elastic constant of the piezoelectric film; and an additional film located on a surface of the temperature compensation film opposite to the piezoelectric film and having an acoustic impedance greater than an acoustic impedance of the temperature compensation film.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric vibrator having a piezoelectric laminate in which oriented film layers made of a polylactic acid and conductive layers are laminated alternately and grippers gripping both ends of the piezoelectric laminate, wherein one of two conductive layers neighboring via an oriented film layer is short-circuited to a negative electrode and the other conductive layer is short-circuited to a positive electrode, the oriented film layers interposed between the respective conductive layers are laminated such that the oriented film layers expand and contract in the same direction when a current is applied, the piezoelectric laminate has two parallel surfaces which are parallel to the plane direction of the oriented film layers and two end faces A and B which are between the parallel surfaces and parallel to each other, and the gripped ends respectively include the end face A and the end face B.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator includes at least one connecting portion; at least two operating portions; and at least two electrodes. Each of the at least one connecting portion and the at least two operating portions includes a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer ranges from 1:7 to 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than 0.5 g/cm3. A thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than ten times that of the flexible polymer layer. A conductivity of the at least two operating portions along the current direction ranges from 1000 S/m to 6000 S/m. A conductivity of the at least one connecting portion along the current direction is greater than 6000 S/m.

Abstract: An electrothermal composite material includes a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper stacked on the flexible polymer layer. The carbon nanotube paper is at least partly embedded into the flexible polymer layer. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer is in a range from about 1:7 to about 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to 0.5 g/cm3. A thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to ten times that of the flexible polymer layer. A conductivity of the carbon nanotube paper along a first direction is in a range from about 1000 S/m to about 6000 S/m. An electrothermal actuator is also provided.

Abstract: An electrothermal actuator includes at least two operating portions and at least two electrodes. The at least two operating portions are electrically connected with each other to define at least one conductive path. Each of the at least two operating portions comprises a flexible polymer layer and a carbon nanotube paper. A thickness ratio of the carbon nanotube paper and the flexible polymer layer ranges from 1:7 to 1:10. A density of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to 0.5 g/cm3. A thermal expansion coefficient of the carbon nanotube paper is greater than or equal to ten times that of the flexible polymer layer. A conductivity of the carbon nanotube paper along a current direction of the at least two operating portions is in a range from about 1000 S/m to about 6000 S/m.

Abstract: A piezoelectric fan includes a vibrating plate including blades and a base that are integral. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Piezoelectric elements are mounted on the blade on the side of the base. Support bodies are disposed such that the base of the vibrating plate is sandwiched therebetween. A portion of each of the piezoelectric elements is sandwiched between the vibrating plate and the support plate, and a portion of each of the piezoelectric elements is sandwiched between the vibrating plate and the support plate.

Abstract: A method of forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a lower electrode on a first insulator layer within a cavity of the MEMS. The method further includes forming an upper electrode over another insulator material on top of the lower electrode which is at least partially in contact with the lower electrode. The forming of the lower electrode and the upper electrode includes adjusting a metal volume of the lower electrode and the upper electrode to modify beam bending.

Abstract: A data readout device is provided and includes a reflective base, reflective sidewalls disposed about the reflective base and an actuation system. The actuation system is configured to modify relative positioning of one of the reflective base and the reflective sidewalls to either reflect incoming radiation back toward an origin thereof or to reflect the incoming radiation away from the origin thereof.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a stack of flat electrodes between which are interposed ceramic wafers of substantially same surface area as the electrodes, stacked contours of the ceramic wafers and electrode wafers defining substantially flat or cylindrical side faces of the stack. A method of manufacturing the transducer includes: alternatively stacking a ceramic wafer and an electrode wafer, placing between each ceramic wafer and its two neighboring electrodes a composition of which at least 75% by weight, or at least 80% by weight, that includes silver nanoparticles having a grain size of smaller than or equal to 80 nanometers, or smaller than or equal to 60 nanometers; and compressing the stack by heating to a temperature of less than or equal to 280° C., or between 200° C. and 250° C.

Abstract: The inventive concept discloses a piezoelectric energy harvesting array and a method of manufacturing the same. The manufacturing method may include forming a plurality of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices; connecting masses to one side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices and connecting the other side of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices facing the masses to a base; and individually tuning a resonant frequency of each of the piezoelectric energy harvesting devices to prevent mismatch of resonant frequency when the masses vibrate.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power generation system includes a housing and one or more piezoelectric modules disposed within the housing. Each of the one or more piezoelectric modules include a support structure, one or more piezoelectric components, and one or more exciters. The one or more piezoelectric components are disposed on or within the support structure, wherein at least a portion of vibrational motion in the support structure is transferred to the one or more piezoelectric components. The one or more exciters are coupled to the support structure and extend outside of the housing. When the exciters are actuated, they transfer vibrational motion to the one or more piezoelectric components through the support structure.

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: A multi-layer piezoelectric microactuator assembly has at least one poled and active piezoelectric layer and one poled but inactive piezoelectric layer. The poled but inactive layer acts as a constraining layer in resisting expansion or contract of the first piezoelectric layer thereby reducing or eliminating bending of the assembly as installed in an environment, thereby increasing the effective stroke length of the assembly. Poling only a single layer would induce stresses into the device; hence, polling both piezoelectric layers even though only one layer will be active in use reduces stresses in the device and therefore increases reliability.

Abstract: A flat self-luminous touch switch, including: a self-luminous touch unit, including at least one flat self-luminous pixel and a pixel driving interface; and a switch control unit, including a first driving interface and a second driving interface, wherein, the first driving interface is coupled with the pixel driving interface to provide at least one pixel driving signal and transmit a touch detection signal; and the second driving interface provides an analog switch channel and/or at least one digital output signal according to a detection result of the touch detection signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inspection instrument of a liquid crystal display panel, comprising an inspection equipment and an image generator electrically connected to the inspection equipment, and the inspection equipment comprises a main body, a first test arm and a second test arm which are installed on the main body and electrically connected to the image generator, a plurality of first contact probes and a plurality of second contact probes which are respectively installed on the first test arm and the second test arm, and a first bonding part and a second bonding part which are respectively and slidably installed on the first test arm and the second test arm, and the first contact probes and the second contact probes are electrically connected to the image generator, and first conductors and second conductors are respectively located on the first bonding part and the second bonding part, and the first conductors and the second conductors are electrically connected to the image generator, and the

Abstract: An energy harvesting device includes at least one first magnet configured to rotate along a first circular path in a first plane. The energy harvesting device includes at least one piezo-electric cantilever spaced apart from the first plane, the at least one piezo-electric cantilever being configured to bend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first plane. The energy harvesting device also includes at least one second magnet coupled to the at least one cantilever and configured to overlap the at least one first magnet.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing electroactive polymer generators, a strip, including one layer of an electroactive polymer and electrodes applied to sections of this layer, is spirally wound in such a way that multiple electrodes are situated congruently on top of each other, in each case two electrodes situated on top of each other being separated from each other by a layer of electroactive polymer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic is constituted by a polycrystal whose main phase is an alkali-containing niobate perovskite structure, where both elemental nickel and elemental manganese are present at the grain boundary of the polycrystal. The piezoelectric ceramic is such that drop in piezoelectric characteristics due to application of high electric field is suppressed.

Abstract: A vehicle door includes an electrically-powered latch and a user input feature that can be actuated by a user to cause the electrically-powered latch to unlatch. An electrical energy storage device is operably connected to the electrically-powered latch, and a piezoelectric device is mounted to the door. The piezoelectric device can be manually actuated by a user to charge the electrical energy storage device, and electrical energy from the electrical energy storage device can be utilized to actuate the electrically-powered latch to thereby unlatch the latch. The user input feature may comprise a switch or sensor located adjacent a door handle/latch release on an inside and/or an outside of the vehicle door. The electrical energy storage device may comprise an emergency battery, capacitor, or other electrical device.