Bending Type Patents (Class 310/330)
  • Publication number: 20080297005
    Abstract: A piezoelectric device constituted by a piezoelectric body and electrodes. The piezoelectric body is a monocrystalline piezoelectric film formed, above a substrate, of an inorganic crystalline compound containing a first ferroelectric crystal when no electric field is applied to the piezoelectric film, and having a characteristic that phase transition of at least a portion of the first ferroelectric crystal to a second ferroelectric crystal occurs when the electric field strength applied to the piezoelectric film is at or above a predetermined level E1, the first and second ferroelectric crystals correspond to different crystal systems, and the piezoelectric device is driven under a condition that the minimum strength Emin, the maximum strength Emax, and the predetermined level E1 of the applied electric field satisfy the inequalities, Emin<E1<Emax.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Yukio Sakashita, Tsutomu Sasaki
  • Patent number: 7459835
    Abstract: A microactuated disk drive suspension for supporting a slider at a disk includes a load beam extending in a plane and having on a common axis a base section adapted for mounting to an actuator, a spring section and a beam section carrying a flexure and the slider thereon. The suspension has relatively movable proximate and distal portions on the common axis that are joined by a bending system cantilevered from the proximate portion and including a cantilevered bending motor opposed to the common axis and having a laterally bendable unsupported region. A cantilevered laterally bendable load assist structure defined by the suspension edges is provided arranged to block undue loading of the bending motor unsupported region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Magnecomp Corporation
    Inventors: Shijin Mei, Steve Misuta
  • Patent number: 7453186
    Abstract: An electromechanical transducer which provides orthogonal translated motion to a piston through an attached lever arm connected to and driven by at least two electromechanical cantilever members, mounted on a separate inertial tail mass, and which under full array loading conditions provide a reduced resonance frequency that yields velocity control in the vicinity of that resonance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Image Acoustics, Inc
    Inventors: Alexander L. Butler, John L. Butler
  • Patent number: 7453188
    Abstract: A dielectric element includes a lower electrode layer provided on a substrate, a dielectric layer provided on the lower electrode layer and an upper electrode layer provided on the dielectric layer. The dielectric layer has a first dielectric layer provided on a side of the lower electrode layer, and a second dielectric layer provided on a side of the upper electrode layer. The second dielectric layer is a layer comprised mainly of an oxide including four or more kinds of metal element components, and the first dielectric layer does not substantially include at least one component selected from metal elements included in the oxide layer of the second dielectric layer and is comprised mainly of an oxide including at least three components selected from the remaining metal elements without substantially including Ti and Zr elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignees: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takanori Matsuda, Toshihiro Ifuku, Tetsuro Fukui, Kiyotaka Wasa
  • Publication number: 20080278035
    Abstract: An ultrasonic actuator includes: an actuator body using a piezoelectric element and generating a plurality of vibrations of different vibration directions; a driver element provided in the actuator body and operated in accordance with the vibration of the actuator body to output a driving force in a predetermined driving direction; a case containing the actuator body; at least one support rubber provided between the actuator body and the case to elastically support the actuator body along the driving direction with respect to the case; and at least one stopper provided between the actuator body and the case which comes into contact with at least one of the actuator body and the case when the actuator body is displaced in a direction opposite the driving direction such that the displacement of the actuator body in the direction opposite the driving direction is limited.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Inventors: Masaru Higashionji, Hideaki Mukae, Yusuke Adachi, Eiichi Nagaoka
  • Patent number: 7449817
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thin and light-weight actuator module structure comprising a multi-layer structure such as a bimorph or unimorph structure that can be formed in an arbitrary shape and deformed in an arbitrary direction, which is high in safety and durability and can be easily fabricated, as well as a method of manufacturing the same. An actuator has a structure such that a striped internal stress distribution is induced within a plane of a bending type actuator of a laminate structure, thereby allowing the actuator to bend so as to constitute a part of a cylindrical shape whose central axis is parallel to the striped direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Midori Kato, Masayoshi Ishibashi
  • Patent number: 7446459
    Abstract: A hybrid piezoelectric energy harvesting transducer system includes: (a) first and second symmetric, pre-curved piezoelectric elements mounted separately on a frame so that their concave major surfaces are positioned opposite to each other; and (b) a linear piezoelectric element mounted separately on the frame and positioned between the pre-curved piezoelectric elements. The pre-curved piezoelectric elements and the linear piezoelectric element are spaced from one another and communicate with energy harvesting circuitry having contact points on the frame. The hybrid piezoelectric energy harvesting transducer system has a higher electromechanical energy conversion efficiency than any known piezoelectric transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignees: National Institute of Aerospace Associates, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of NASA
    Inventors: Tian-Bing Xu, Xiaoning Jiang, Ji Su, Paul W. Rehrig, Wesley S. Hackenberger
  • Patent number: 7446457
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes beam portions and piezoelectric portions. Each of the beam portions is formed to extend in a first direction with one end fixed at a substrate by use of a supporting member and warped by residual stress with the supporting member set as a starting point. Each of the piezoelectric portions is connected to the other end of the corresponding beam portion and formed to extend in a second direction intersecting with the first direction and moves parallel to the substrate in a first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction by application of bias voltage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Tamio Ikehashi
  • Patent number: 7443078
    Abstract: This invention expands functions possible with electric equipment using charge contorting Piezo technology. We replace engines and motors with Piezo units. These power electric vehicles using nudging by Piezo strips to turn shafts or axles holding propellers or wheels. Ranges of speeds these electric air, land, and sea vehicles can go match that of gas-powered vehicles. The fuel is electrons, which are stored in circuits of rechargeable batteries laminated into their bodies and interior structure. Piezos nudge either radiating spokes or bars on squirrel cage attached to the shaft or axle rotating them at a range of speed in both directions and stopping that rotation. Steerage is achieved with Piezo trim tabs that, when charged, move the control surfaces as rudders in planes and ships, and elevators and ailerons in planes. These tabs with positive power applied change their position in one direction, and with negative power, in the other direction. Releasing gas into a section of a vehicle increases buoyancy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: e3 Enterprises lp
    Inventor: Denyse Claire DuBrucq
  • Publication number: 20080246371
    Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasonic motor whose output is improved by enhancing the exciting force of a vibration caused on a vibrating body having a rectangular portion. The ultrasonic motor includes the vibrating body having a piezoelectric element, and a moving body which contacts the vibrating body. The phases of two difference vibrations caused on the vibrating body are changed to make the moving direction of the moving body or the vibrating body itself variable by selecting whether to apply a drive signal to first electrodes provided at one side of the piezoelectric element or to apply a drive signal to second electrodes provided at a portion whose polarization direction differs from that of the first electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventors: Akihiro Iino, Satoshi Watanabe
  • Patent number: 7427819
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a target environmental variable (TEV) that employs a film-bulk acoustic resonator with motion plate. The film-bulk acoustic resonator (FBAR) includes an acoustic reflector formed in an FBAR wafer and a surface. A first electrode is formed on the surface of the acoustic reflector and has a surface. A piezoelectric layer is formed on the surface of the first electrode and has a surface. A second electrode is formed on the surface of the piezoelectric layer. A motion plate is suspended in space at a predetermined distance relative to the surface of the second electrode and is capacitively coupled to the FBAR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Avago Wireless IP Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Storrs T. Hoen, Mark A. Unkrich, William R. Trutna, John D. Larson, III, Richard C Ruby, Graham M. Flower, Annette Grot
  • Publication number: 20080217764
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a semiconductor package having a plurality of fan blades embedded within a first surface of the package, where a first group of the fan blades extend from a first side of the package and a second group of the fan blades extend from a second side of semiconductor package. The fan blades may be powered by piezoelectric devices to cause motion of the fan blades. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Edoardo Campini, Javier Leija, William Handley
  • Patent number: 7420320
    Abstract: A piezoelectric thin film device includes an amorphous metal film disposed on a substrate and a piezoelectric film disposed on the amorphous metal. One of crystal axis of the piezoelectric film is aligned in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the amorphous metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Kenya Sano, Ryoichi Ohara, Naoko Yanase, Takaaki Yasumoto, Kazuhiko Itaya, Takashi Kawakubo, Hiroshi Toyoda, Masahiko Hasunuma, Toshihiko Nagano, Kazuhide Abe, Michihiko Nishigaki, Hironobu Shibata
  • Patent number: 7414351
    Abstract: Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Patent number: 7406757
    Abstract: The method manufactures a liquid ejection head comprising: a plurality of nozzles which eject liquid; a plurality of pressure chambers which are connected to the nozzles, respectively; a diaphragm which forms wall faces of the pressure chambers; and piezoelectric elements which are disposed on the diaphragm at positions corresponding to the pressure chambers and each are formed of at least a piezoelectric material and electrodes overlapping each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Fujifilm Corporation
    Inventor: Tsuyoshi Mita
  • Patent number: 7400078
    Abstract: A vibrating gyrosensor includes a support substrate on which a wiring pattern having a plurality of lands is formed, and vibrating elements mounted on a surface of the support substrate, wherein at least two vibrating elements are mounted on the support substrate, for detecting vibrations in different axial directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Takahashi, Teruo Inaguma, Junichi Honda, Koji Suzuki, Shigeto Watanabe, Shin Sasaki, Eiji Nakashio, Manabu Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20080157631
    Abstract: Electroactive polymer transducers are disclosed. They are biased in a manner that provides for increased force and/or stroke output, thereby offering improved work potential and power output capacity. The biasing may offer additional or alternate functional advantage in terms of matching transducer performance with a given application such as a normally-closed valve. The improved biasing (including increased output biasing) may utilize negative spring rate biasing and/or a combination of negative or zero-rate biasing with positive rate biasing to achieve the desired ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Applicant: Artificial Muscle, Inc.
    Inventors: Jonathan R. HEIM, Ilya Polyakov, Alireza Zarrabi, Otto Hui
  • Patent number: 7394610
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor comprises a vibrating element 2 formed by arranging conductor films 26 and 29 on outer main surfaces of piezoelectric substrates 21 and 22 in a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and first supporting members 3a and 3b for holding a part of the vibrating element 2, the first supporting members 3a and 3b being composed of an elastic body, and a bending point of the vibrating element being positioned within a supporting region 91 held between the first supporting members 3a and 3b. This causes a region, which is distorted, in each of the piezoelectric substrates 21 and 22 to be enlarged. Therefore, the amount of charges to be generated is increased so that an output voltage is increased, which allows acceleration detection sensitivity to be further enhanced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Kyocera Corporation
    Inventor: Michihiko Kuwahata
  • Patent number: 7394181
    Abstract: A hybrid electromechanical actuator has two different types of electromechanical elements, one that expands in a transverse direction when electric power is applied thereto and one that contracts in a transverse direction when electric power is applied thereto. The two electromechanical elements are (i) disposed in relation to one another such that the transverse directions thereof are parallel to one another, and (ii) mechanically coupled to one another at least at two opposing edges thereof. Electric power is applied simultaneously to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventors: Ji Su, Tian-Bing Xu
  • Publication number: 20080150396
    Abstract: An energy harvesting apparatus and method. In one form the apparatus makes use of a pair of flexible beams that are supported at first ends thereof from a base. Second ends of each of the beams are operatively coupled to rigid links. The rigid links are in turn operatively coupled to a mass component that is free to move linearly in a path generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the flexible beams. Movement of the mass component in response to vibration forces causes a twisting moment to be applied at the second end of each flexible beam. This causes a uniform flexing of each of the flexible beams. A piezoceramic material layer on each beam generates electrical signals in response to the flexing motion of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Inventors: Dan J. Clingman, Mark W. Herrin
  • Publication number: 20080131048
    Abstract: An optical fibre switch (10) includes an optical fibre conduit (12). A transducer (16) is carried on the conduit (12), the transducer (16) converting input energy of one form into mechanical energy so that the application of an external stimulus causes a change in condition of the transducer (16) which imparts that change in condition to the conduit (12). An input energy applying arrangement (20) is arranged on the transducer (16) for applying the external stimulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Auckland UniServices Limited
    Inventors: Ju Hyun Yoo, Wei Gao
  • Patent number: 7372191
    Abstract: A microswitch is provided with a movable electrode contact component including a bending displacement component having a cantilever shape, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element having a piezoelectric/electrostrictor and a voltage application electrode layers, and a substrate joined to a support portion of the movable electrode contact component and having a fixed electrode disposed on the surface thereof, wherein the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element is driven to displace the movable electrode, so that the movable electrode and the fixed electrode can be brought into a state of being electrically connected to each other or disconnected from each other. At least a thin plate of the bending displacement component is made of a ceramic material, and the thin plate, the piezoelectric/electrostrictor, and the voltage application electrode layers are integrated by firing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Makoto Ohmori, Tatsuo Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 7368860
    Abstract: A high performance piezoelectric actuator. The actuator includes a piezoelectric material exhibiting a selectively tapered width sufficient to enhance actuator fracture load capabilities. A passive material is disposed on or integrated with the piezoelectric material. A drive system is connected to the piezoelectric material. The drive system is capable of selectively applying an electric field to the piezoelectric material. In specific embodiment, the piezoelectric material includes a curved piezoelectric layer exhibits a default state of compression along a surface of the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: The Regents of the University od California
    Inventors: Robert J. Wood, Ronald S. Fearing, Jacoby L. Hickerson
  • Publication number: 20080100178
    Abstract: A piezoelectric transducer able to convert an electrical signal into a mechanical motion. In various embodiments the transducer is used to form a motor and an actuator. In one embodiment a piezoceramic stack is supported as to experience a compressive load from a flexible beam. The flexible beam is installed under compression to assume an initial bowed shape. Applying an electrical signal to the piezoceramic stack causes decompression, and thus lengthening, of the stack. This in turn causes an increased compression of the flexible beam that causes it to flex from its initial bowed shape to an increased (i.e., more pronounced) bowed shape. An output member disposed against the flexible beam is driven by the flexing of the beam. Alternately applying and removing the electrical signal causes an alternating mechanical motion to be applied to the output member by the flexible beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Dan J. Clingman
  • Patent number: 7358647
    Abstract: A piezoelectric/electrostrictive including a pair of mutually opposing vibration plates, each having a first portion and a second portion, a fixation section joined to the first portion of each of the vibration plates, and at least one piezoelectric/electrostrictive element arranged on at least one of the vibration plates. A surface of the device between the fixation section and the second portion of at least one of the vibration plates is curved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukihisa Takeuchi, Kazuyoshi Shibata, Masahiko Namerikawa
  • Patent number: 7355325
    Abstract: An electromechanical motor (1), using at least two bimorph, monomorph or multimorph electromechanical actuating elements (6) interconnected by a common actuator backbone (5) is disclosed. The actuating elements (6) are controllable in both a longitudinal direction (L), i.e. in the main extension direction of the actuating element (6), and a flexural direction, i.e. bending of the actuating element (6), separately. The different actuating elements (6) can be controlled individually as well. The actuator (3) dimensions are preferably selected to resonance frequencies in vicinity of a certain frequency. The actuating elements (6) are provided with interaction portions (7) at which any contact between the actuator and a body (2) to be moved is made. In order to operate well both in fine-positioning and resonant motion, the interaction portions (7) are arranged to partially suppress the transfer of acoustic waves between the actuating elements (6) and the body (2) to be moved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Piezomotor Uppsala AB
    Inventors: Stefan Johansson, Johan Abrahamsson, Robert Sunnerberg
  • Publication number: 20080079333
    Abstract: Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Markus Ulm, Brian Stark, Matthias Metz
  • Patent number: 7352538
    Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a small, light-weight, impact-resistant, high-accuracy, and low-cost piezoelectric actuator which can achieve a large displacement at a low drive voltage as well as an information storage device which incorporates the piezoelectric actuator and has high recording density. The piezoelectric actuator according to the present invention is equipped with a hinge plate 220 which has a central portion 221, two lateral portions 222 extending point-symmetrically from both ends of the central portion 221, and two limbs 223 extending point-symmetrically and non-linear symmetrically from both ends of the central portion 221 as well as with a piezoelectric element 210 which brings the two limbs 223 toward and away from each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Kazuaki Kurihara, Masaharu Hida, Tsuyoshi Mita
  • Publication number: 20080074001
    Abstract: An ion conducting actuator includes facing electrodes on a surface of a base material which is made of an ion exchange resin. An output from a drive voltage supply is applied to the facing electrodes via an electrode pad. Here, when a negative voltage is applied to the electrode on a left side and a positive voltage is applied to the electrode on a right side, an electric field is generated due to the voltage applied. Due to the electric field, negative ions and/or polar molecules in the base material move to a negative pole side, and the negative pole side is swollen as compared to a positive pole side, and a front end of the base material is deformed to a right side in the diagram. On the other hand, when a negative voltage is applied to an electrode on a right side, and a positive voltage is applied to an electrode on a left side, there is a reverse effect of the effect mentioned above, and the front end of the base material is deformed to a left side in the diagram.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: Olympus Corporation
    Inventor: Takayuki Ide
  • Patent number: 7345404
    Abstract: The microelectromechanical system (MEMS) element (101) comprises a first electrode (31) that is present on a surface of substrate (30) and a movable element (40). This overlies at least partially the first electrode (31) and comprises a piezoelectric actuator, which movable element (40) is movable towards and from the substrate (30) by application of an actuation voltage between a first and a second position, in which first position it is separated from the substrate (30) by a gap. Herein the piezoelectric actuator comprises a piezoelectric layer (25) that is on opposite surfaces provided with a second and a third electrode (21,22) respectively, said second electrode (21) facing the substrate (30) and said third electrode (22) forming an input electrode of the MEMS element (101), so that a current path through the MEMS element (101) comprises the piezoelectric layer (25) and the tunable gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: NXP B.V.
    Inventors: Mareike Katharine Klee, Theodoor Gertrudis Silvester Maria Rijks, Pieter Lok, Ruediger Guenter Mauczok
  • Patent number: 7336020
    Abstract: A pair of opposing thin plate sections, movable sections, and fixed sections for supporting the thin plate sections and the movable sections are provided on a ceramic substrate. After a wiring pattern and a gap or an insulating layer of cermet layer for filling the gap are formed on a ceramic substrate, these are sintered. After that, piezoelectric/electrostrictive layers and cermet electrode layers including a piezoelectric/electrostrictive material and a conductive material are alternately stacked in a comb like structure on the ceramic substrate. Accordingly, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive device having the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element in multilayer structure is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ikeda, Fumitake Takahashi, Kazuyoshi Shibata, Haruhiko Itoh
  • Patent number: 7332849
    Abstract: A transducer for dynamic testing of specimen is disclosed. The transducer comprises at least two equally-spaced actuators, and a supporting block for supporting the at least two equally-spaced actuators and for mounting the transducer to the specimen. Each of the at least two equally-spaced actuators is an electrically powerable for providing to the specimen: a force or a moment. The actuators may be bimorphs and the transducer may be able to operate as an actuator, a sensor, and simultaneously as an actuator and a sensor. This may be for the transducer being able to operate as a sensor, for measurement of at least one selected from the group consisting of: an excitation force exerted on the specimen, an excitation moment exerts on the specimen, a resultant translational velocity of the specimen at an excitation point, and a rotational velocity of the specimen at the excitation point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Nanyang Technological University
    Inventors: Shih Fu Ling, Xiaoyan Hou
  • Publication number: 20080024039
    Abstract: A micro-actuator used in HGA of the disk drive unit is provided. The micro-actuator comprises a metal frame which includes a base piece and two opposite arms extending from the base piece, in which at least two pieces of thin film PZT are attached to the side surface(s) of each one of said two opposite arms respectively in such a manner that the displacement of each arm is increased due to the superposition effect when each arm displaces together with the thin film PZT attached thereon in response to drive signal(s) applied to the thin film PZT. Since at least two pieces of thin film PZT are attached on the side surface(s) of each arm, an increased displacement of the arms can be achieved due to the superposition effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Minggao Yao
  • Publication number: 20080018204
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric layer, a vibration plate, a supporting member which has an relief portion. A thin wall portion is provided in a first area, of one of the piezoelectric layer and vibration plate, facing one end portion in a longitudinal direction of the relief portion. A thickness of the thin wall portion is smaller than a thickness of areas, of one of the piezoelectric layer and vibration plate, facing the central portion and one end portion in a width direction of a pressure chamber, respectively. This makes it possible to provide a piezoelectric actuator which is capable of increasing an amount of displacement of the vibration plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2007
    Publication date: January 24, 2008
    Inventor: Hiroto Sugahara
  • Patent number: 7321184
    Abstract: In some embodiments, a piezoelectric actuator is coupled to a blade having a rake shape. The blade may include a base with two or more prongs extending therefrom. At least a portion of one or more prongs may be positioned between the fins of a heat sink. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Seri Lee, Ioan Sauciuc
  • Patent number: 7321185
    Abstract: Two similarly shaped, such as rectangular, shells are attached to one another such that they form a resulting thin airfoil-like structure. The resulting device has at least two stable equilibrium shapes. The device can be transformed from one shape to another with a snap-through action. One or more actuators can be used to effect the snap-through; i.e., transform the device from one stable shape to another. Power to the actuators is needed only to transform the device from one shape to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration
    Inventor: Marc R. Schultz
  • Patent number: 7317275
    Abstract: A device and method for propelling objects using periodic or harmonic vibrations is described. The device comprises a flexible substrate or surface and a source of vibrational energy that is applied to the substrate or surface. Specific embodiments include a device which can move along a flat surface, which can climb a smooth vertical or slanted wall, which can move along a ceiling while suspended upside down, which can climb up a smooth hollow tube, or which can move through liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Assignee: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventor: Michael R. Treat
  • Patent number: 7313854
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tactile sensor, which is capable of implementing a wide range of senses, including sensing contact pressure (vertical force and horizontal force) with an external object and heat caused by the contact pressure, comprises forming a side block formation pattern of a force sensor and forming a piezo-resistor formation pattern of a heat sensor; forming a piezo-resistor and depositing an oxide film on the piezo-resistor; forming contact holes and forming a line hole formation pattern; forming a metal line, a temperature measurement metal line, and a heater; depositing an oxide film on the metal line, the temperature measurement metal line, and the heater, and forming a load block on the oxide film; and forming a side block by etching a bottom surface of the wafer on which the load block is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science
    Inventors: Jong-ho Kim, Dae-im Kang, Yon-kyu Park, Min-seok Kim
  • Patent number: 7309944
    Abstract: A piezoactuator, includes at least one stacked piezoelement, with at least two electrode layers, arranged one over the other along a stacking direction of the piezoelement, at least one piezoelectric layer, arranged between two of the electrode layers and at least one pre-tensioning device, for introduction of force into a volume of the piezoelectric layer via at least one force introduction surface on the piezoelectric layer, which is arranged on at least one of the surface sections facing the pretensioning device. The force introduction surface is smaller than the surface section of the piezoelectric layer and the volume is a partial volume of the piezoelectric layer. The production of the piezoactuator is achieved by introduction of a force into the partial volume of the piezoelectric layer via the force introduction surface on the piezoelectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Karl Lubitz, Hedwig Murmann-Biesenecker, Andreas Wolff
  • Patent number: 7301690
    Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-optical arrangement with which in particular optical properties of an optical element or its influencing of electromagnetic radiation may be changed. Thereby the optical elements with a reflecting surface are preferred. It is the object of the invention to provide for a changeability of optical parameters, in particular of the focal width with small time constants, in an inexpensive manner and with a small required constructional volume. The micro-optical arrangement according to the invention comprises a plate-like optical element onto which electromagnetic radiation is directed on an optically effective surface. The optical element thereby is fixed or clamped at least at one outer edge point. The optical element is elastically deformed due to mass inertia as a result of a translatory movement at least approximately parallel to the optical axis between two reversal points (?z0, z0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
    Inventors: Harald Schenk, Christian Drabe
  • Patent number: 7298069
    Abstract: A crystal unit has a crystal blank provided with a pair of excitation electrodes and a pair of extension electrodes extended from the excitation electrodes, and a casing having a recess. A pair of connection terminals is formed on the bottom face of the recess. An inclined surface is formed at one end of a first principal surface of the crystal blank and the second principal surface of the crystal blank is flat-shaped. A conductive material is disposed between the connection terminals and the extension electrodes so that the extension electrodes are extended toward the end at which the inclined surface is formed and the second principal surface faces the mounting member, and the crystal blank is thereby held by the mounting member at the position of the end at which the extension electrodes are extended and electrically connected to the connection terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Nihon Dempa Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroaki Yagishita
  • Patent number: 7294777
    Abstract: An electronic tone generation system including a plurality of separate, portable, handheld transmitters, or batons, that are provided as “instruments” to one or more players. Each baton can be activated to send a signal, preferably a wireless signal, to a single receiver which produces an output signal fed to a tone generator, preferably a MIDI tone generator, which produces audible sounds via an amplifier and speakers. For example, the batons can correspond to different musical notes as played by a selected musical instrument and the batons can be played in concert to produce a musical or other audible presentation. Alternatively, selected batons can be designated to play in one voice, while others batons are set to play other voices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Schulmerich Carillons, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. Hofmeister, Gregory L. Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20070247027
    Abstract: An electric connection and an electric component, the electric component comprising connectors for connecting the electric component. The connectors are formed of a first and a second electrically conductive laminar conductor, which are placed opposite each other and isolated from one another with an insulator, whereby the electric component is arranged to be connected through the plane surfaces of the laminar conductors, and the insulator is arranged between the laminar conductors such that the insulator comprises at least one free plane surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: ABB OY
    Inventor: Matti Kauranen
  • Publication number: 20070228886
    Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator comprising an elastic plate 2 with a projection 3 provided on one of both surfaces of the plate. A first pair of strip-like piezoelectric elements 120a, 120b are fixed to the other of both the surfaces of the plate such that each of the first pair of piezoelectric elements is disposed along a first straight line passing through the position of the projection on a respective one of its opposite sides. A second pair of strip-like piezoelectric elements 122a, 122b are fixed to the same surface of the plate as the first pair of piezoelectric elements 120a, 120b such that each of the second pair of piezoelectric elements is disposed along a second straight line passing through the position of the projection perpendicular to the first straight line on a respective one of opposite sides of the position of the projection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 4, 2007
    Applicant: CASIO COMPUTER CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Takahashi, Takahiro Mizushina
  • Patent number: 7271525
    Abstract: An electronics filter circuit includes an electromechanical resonator that is mounted directly to the surface of a silicon integrated circuit, rather than being a surface mounted or leaded filter can on a circuit board. This filter circuit allows the integrated circuit electronic package to be significantly smaller than a conventional electromechanical resonator package. The electromechanical resonator may be protected during processing and during use with a protective cover that is made of a material such as titanium. The protective cover is attached to the integrated circuit chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Alfred E. Mann Foundation For Scientific Research
    Inventors: Charles L. Byers, Joseph H. Schulman, Gary D. Schnittgrund
  • Patent number: 7269885
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a piezoelectric vibrator comprises providing a piezoelectric vibrator piece inside a hermetic container. A gettering metal film is formed inside the hermetic container on an inner surface of the container or on a surface of the piezoelectric vibrator piece, and a weight is formed separate from the metal film on the piezoelectric vibrator piece. A laser beam is irradiated on the metal film to heat the same to getter gas contained inside the hermetic container, and after completion of gettering, the laser beam is irradiated on the weight to adjust the frequency of vibration of the piezoelectric vibrator piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Instruments Inc.
    Inventors: Satoshi Shimizu, Masaru Matsuyama
  • Patent number: 7265481
    Abstract: A first common electrode is formed on a vibration plate and to be fixed at a predetermined potential. A first piezoelectric layer is laminated on the first common electrode and having a first thickness. A drive electrode is laminated on the first piezoelectric layer, to which a drive signal is supplied externally. A second piezoelectric layer is laminated on the drive electrode and having a second thickness thicker than the first thickness. A second common electrode is laminated on the second piezoelectric layer and to be fixed at the predetermined potential.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Junhua Chang, Takahiro Katakura
  • Patent number: 7259503
    Abstract: The present invention relates to transducers, their use and fabrication. The transducers convert between mechanical and electrical energy. Some transducers of the present invention include a pre-strained polymer. The pre-strain improves the conversion between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention also relates to devices including an electroactive polymer to convert between electrical and mechanical energy. The present invention further relates to compliant electrodes that conform to the shape of a polymer included in a transducer. The present invention provides methods for fabricating electromechanical devices including one or more electroactive polymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2007
    Assignee: SRI International
    Inventors: Qibing Pei, Ronald E. Pelrine, Roy D. Kornbluh
  • Patent number: 7249805
    Abstract: An electrical generator or motion sensor including a) a pair of elongated L shaped supports (15) fixed at one end but free to move at the other b) a coil (14) secured to the supports remote from the fixed end c) an array of permanent magnets (12) arranged adjacent the coil such that movement of the coil through the magnetic field induces an electric current in the coil. To rectify the current the supports are made of a piezoelectric polymer membrane so that movement of the coil stresses the membrane to generate a voltage that is used to turn on a MOSFET transistor rectifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Kinergi Pty Ltd
    Inventor: George Jaroslav Cap
  • Patent number: 7248475
    Abstract: An enclosure for a wireless device includes a first compartment and a second compartment. The first compartment is to house some or all of the electronic circuitry of the wireless device and is sealed from an exterior environment. The second compartment is adjacent to the first compartment and includes one or more piezoelectric fans to provide cooling for the first compartment. The second compartment is open to the exterior environment and provides physical protection for the one or more piezoelectric fans located therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Reza Paydar, Ioan Sauciuc