Abstract: The present invention, in one set of embodiments, provides methods and systems for integrating conducting diamond electrodes into a high power acoustic resonator. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, in certain embodiments of the present invention, diamond electrodes may be integrated into a high power acoustic resonator to provide a robust sensing device that may provide for acoustic cleaning of the electrodes and increasing the rate of mass transport to the diamond electrodes. The diamond electrodes may be used as working, reference or counter electrodes or a combination of two or more of such electrodes. In certain aspects, the high power acoustic resonator may include an acoustic horn for focusing acoustic energy and the diamond electrodes may be coupled with the acoustic horn.

Abstract: A piezoelectric porcelain composition includes a main ingredient represented by a general formula ((1?x)(K1?a?bNaaLib) (Nb1?cTac)O3?xM2M4O3) (where M2 represents Ca, Ba or Sr, M4 represents Zr, Sn or Hf, and 0.005?x?0.1, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.1, 0 5?a+b?0.9, and 0?c?0.3), and Mn is contained in an amount ranging from 2 to 15 mol, relative to 100 mol of the main ingredient, and the M4 is contained in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 mol, relative to 100 mol of the main ingredient. Preferably, Ni is contained in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5.0 mol, relative to 100 mol of the main ingredient, and also preferably Yb, In and the like specific rare earth elements is contained. A ceramic layer in a ceramic base is formed of this piezoelectric porcelain composition. As a result, the degree of sintering in a reductive atmosphere is improved, and a piezoelectric porcelain composition allowing co-sintering with Ni, and a piezoelectric ceramic electronic component using the same are realized.

Abstract: A piezoelectric component with a monolithic stack, has electrode layers and piezoceramic layers arranged alternately one on top of the other, the piezoceramic layers have a piezoceramic, and having at least one porous security layer arranged in the stack for the formation of a crack if mechanical overload of the stack should occur. The piezoelectric component has an infiltration barrier arranged between the security layer and a lateral surface section of the stack for suppressing the penetration of a foreign substance into the security layer. The piezoelectric component can be as a piezoactuator for controlling a valve, particularly a valve of an internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element having high durability which allows it to increase the amount of displacement of a piezoelectric actuator under high voltage and high pressure and does not undergo a change in the amount of displacement during continuous operation in a high electric field and under a high pressure over a long time period is provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack of at least one piezoelectric layer and a plurality of internal electrodes consisting of first and second internal electrodes placed one on another, a first external electrode formed on a first side face of the stack and connected to the first internal electrode and a second external electrode formed on a second side face of the stack and connected to the second internal electrode, wherein the bonding strength between the piezoelectric layer and the internal electrode is weaker than the bending strength of the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: Conductive polymer films are respectively connected to fixed frames via a link member, and an electrolyte holding layer is placed so as to be made in contact with the conductive polymer films. The fixed frames are regulated by the link member.

Abstract: A piezoelectric planar composite apparatus to provide health monitoring of a structure and associated methods are provided. The piezoelectric planar composite apparatus includes a piezoelectric electric material layer, multiple electrodes positioned in electrical contact with the piezoelectric material layer, and multiple sets of electrode interconnect conductors each positioned in electrical contact with a different subset of the electrodes and positioned to form multiple complementary electrode patterns. Each of the complementary electrode patterns is positioned to form an electric field having an electric field axis oriented along a different physical axis from that of an electric field formed by at least one other of the complementary electrode patterns. The interconnect conductors can be distributed over several electrode interconnect conductor carrying layers to enhance formation of the different complementary electrode patterns.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition includes a primary component represented by the formula (1-x)(K1-a-bNaaLib)m(Nb1-c-dTacSbd)O3-xM1nM2O3, and 0.1 to 10 moles (preferably 1.5 to 10 moles) of at least one specific element selected from the group consisting of In, Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, and Lu with respect to 100 moles of the primary component, wherein M1 is Ca, Sr, or Ba M2 is Ti, Zr, or Sn; and x, a, b, c, d, m, and n satisfy 0.005?x?0.1, 0?a?0.9, 0?b?0.3, 0?a+b?0.9, 0?c?0.5, 0?d?0.1, 0.9?m?1.1, and 0.9?n?1.1. Preferably, Mn, Ni, Fe, Zn, Cu, or Mg is further added. As a result, at both a very low and a high electric field, a high piezoelectric d constant can be stably obtained with a high efficiency.

Abstract: There are some cases where cracks occur at a plurality of areas on an external electrode when a displacement quantity of a laminated piezoelectric element is large. In such cases, there is a possibility of a voltage not being applied to a portion of the laminated structure due to the cracks caused by a long time drive to cause a reduction in the displacement quantity. A low rigidity layer is arranged on the laminated structure to form a plurality of portions divided by the low rigidity layer in a laminating direction. Each portion is provided with power feeding members on the anode side and the cathode side. Thus, a voltage can be stably supplied to each internal electrode.

Abstract: Vibrational energy harvesting (VEH) structures that include resonant beams each having a fundamental resonance frequency and a parametric mode frequency and including at least one piezoelectric layer for generating electrical charge in response to each of fundamental-resonance excitation and parametric-mode excitation of that beam. Circuitry is provided for harvesting the electrical charge from the resonant beam. In some embodiments, the parametric mode frequency of the beam is tuned to be close to its fundamental resonance frequency so as to increase the effective bandwidth of a VEH structure. The effective bandwidth of a VEH structure can be further increased by tuning ones of multiple parametric-mode-enabled resonant beams to slightly different fundamental resonance frequencies and parametric mode frequencies.

Abstract: A vibrating element of an ultrasonic motor includes a vibrating member, and a piezoelectric body to produce a traveling wave thus to vibrate the vibrating member when electric power is applied to the piezoelectric body. The piezoelectric body includes a first piezoelectric layer attached to the vibrating member and in which positive poles and negative poles are alternately polarized, a second piezoelectric layer attached to the first piezoelectric layer and in which positive poles and negative poles are alternately polarized, a plurality of electrodes formed on opposite surfaces of the first and second piezoelectric layers, and an electrode connecting part formed on outer circumferential surfaces of the first and second piezoelectric layers to selectively connect the plurality of electrodes to one other.

Abstract: A multilayer piezoelectric element is provided which has excellent durability even if it is continuously driven for a long period of time under high temperature and high humidity. The multilayer piezoelectric element has a laminated body that a plurality of piezoelectric layers are laminated through an internal electrode interposed therebetween, in which the internal electrode, a dummy electrode spaced apart and electrically insulated from the internal electrode, and an insulating part between the dummy electrode and the internal electrode are arranged between two adjacent piezoelectric layers. A porous part having a larger number of voids than the internal electrode is formed at positions opposed in the laminating direction to the internal electrode, the dummy electrode and the insulating part through the piezoelectric layer interposed therebetween, respectively.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a piezoelectric body; a first and a second electrode for applying an electric field to the piezoelectric body in order to polarize the piezoelectric body in a first direction at an elevated temperature, at least one of the first and the second electrode including a material whose resistivity decreases with elevation of the temperature; and a third and a fourth electrode for applying an electric field to the piezoelectric body in a second direction across the first direction of the polarization of the piezoelectric body in order to actuate the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: In order to provide a multi-layer electronic component in which the occurrence of delamination between the ceramic layer and the internal electrode is restricted and a method for manufacturing the same, the multi-layer electronic component of the present invention comprises a stack formed by stacking piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes one on another alternately and a pair of external electrodes formed on two opposing side faces of the stack, wherein the internal electrode consists of a first internal electrode connected to the external electrode formed on one of the two side faces and a second internal electrode located between the first internal electrode and connected to the external electrode formed on the other one of the two side faces, and wherein the internal electrodes and the piezoelectric layers are faced in proximity so that a space between them is 2 ?m or less over an area occupying 50% or more of the active region where the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode oppo

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are related to an apparatus and method for providing a strain tolerant electrode, comprising: an upper layer; a lower layer; with the potential for a plurality of compliant members providing electrical communication between the upper layer and the lower layer; and wherein a surface of the upper layer is in direct contact with a surface of the lower layer to provide an electrical path between the upper layer and the lower layer.

Abstract: A piezo actuator in a monolithic multilayer design, has at least one piezoelectrically active stack element, wherein the stack element has stacked piezoceramic layers made of piezoceramic material and electrode layers arranged between the piezoceramic layers, at least one piezoelectrically inactive terminating region arranged above the stack element, and at least one junction region arranged between the stack element and the terminating region, wherein the stack element, the terminating region and the junction region are connected to one another to form a monolithic total stack. The junction region has stacked piezoceramic layers and electrode layers arranged between the piezoceramic layers, and the piezoceramic layers and the electrode layers are in a form and are arranged on one another such that in the stack direction of the junction region one piezoelectrically active area per junction piezoceramic layer is successively changed from piezoceramic layer to piezoceramic layer.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element which undergo less change in the amount of displacement and shows high durability during continuous operation under a high voltage and pressure over a long period are provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack having metal layers and piezoelectric layers stacked one on another, and a pair of external electrodes formed on the side faces of the stack, wherein at least one of the metal layers is stress relieving layer having partial metal layers scattered between the two piezoelectric layers and voids, wherein junction sections are formed between the two piezoelectric layers to join and are disposed on both sides of an imaginary straight line drawn to connect the center of width of one of the external electrodes and the center of width of the other of the external electrodes in a plane including the stress relieving perpendicular to the stacking direction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device comprising a pair of electrodes; and a nanotube, a nanorod and/or a nanowire; the nanotube, nanorod and/or nanowire comprising a piezoelectric and/or pyroelectric polymeric composition; the pair of electrodes being in electrical communication with opposing surfaces of the nanotube, nanorod and/or a nanowire; the pair of electrodes being perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the nanotube, nanorod and/or a nanowire.

Abstract: A wire saw (S) for separating a plurality of ceramic components (11-16) from a ceramic component block (1) has a roller system (2), the roller system has a plurality of deflecting rollers (3-5) guiding a wire (6) to form a wire harp (7), wherein at least one of the deflecting rollers (3) is divided into separate discs (31-36) guiding a single wire winding (61-66) of the wire (6) and being inclined at an adjustable angle (a) of less than 90 DEG to an axle (A) connecting the centers (M1-M6) of the discs (31-36).

Abstract: An upper electrode (50) includes a first electrode (51) formed in a circle and a second electrode (52) formed in an annulus outside the first electrode (51). The first electrode (51) and the second electrode (52) are electrically separated from each other via an insulating region. A lower electrode (30) includes a third electrode (31) formed in a circle and a fourth electrode (32) formed in an annulus outside of the third electrode (31). Similarly, the third electrode (31) and the fourth electrode (32) are electrically separated from each other via an insulating region. Further, the third electrode (31)is provided so as to face the first electrode (51) via the piezoelectric body (40) and the fourth electrode (32) is provided to face the second electrode (52) via the piezoelectric body (40), respectively.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic transducer including a gap between an upper electrode and a lower electrode on a silicon substrate, it is made possible to reduce or adjust warpage of an above-gap membrane vibrated by electrostatic actuation due to internal stress. A fourth insulating film and a fifth insulating film of films positioned above the gap which is a cavity required for transmitting and receiving ultrasonic are respectively a silicon oxide film for compression stress and a silicon nitride film for tensile stress. Therefore, compression stress and tensile stress cancel each other, so that warpage of the above-gap membrane is reduced. An amount of warpage can be adjusted by adjusting a film thickness of the fourth insulating film and a film thickness of the fifth insulating film.

Abstract: A coating providing high abrasion and chemical resistance composed of a barrier layer from vanadium, molybdenum, niobium, tantalum and the like, and an outer layer of diamond-like carbon. The coating is especially applicable for acoustic wave device (AWD) based sensors, and for passivating an electrode such as an electrode deposited on the AWD sensing area. The coating provides excellent mechanical and acoustical characteristics for coating acoustic wave devices allowing the sensor to operate in harsh environments.

Abstract: To improve adhesive properties between an electrically conductive polymer membrane and a solid electrolyte membrane to each other, and thus to ensure the operation of an electrically conductive polymer actuator which effects a bending motion is aimed.

Abstract: A bulk acoustic wave, BAW, resonator device comprising first and second metal layers (10, 20) and an intervening piezoelectric layer (30), the first metal layer (10) comprising spaced first and second portions (12, 14), wherein the first and second portions (12, 14) are each arranged as a plurality of interconnected fingers (16, 18), and wherein each of the plurality of fingers (16) of the first portion (12) is acoustically coupled to at least one of the fingers (18) of the second portion (14). In one embodiment the fingers of the first portion (12) are interlaced with the fingers (18) of the second portion (14), thereby providing direct coupling. In another embodiment the acoustic coupling between the fingers of the first and second portions is provided indirectly by further portions (15) of the first metal layer (10).

Abstract: In a method for detaching a plurality of ceramic components (11-15) from a ceramic component block (1), the following steps are provided: providing the component block (1); mounting a plurality of parallel wire segments (21-26) in a frame (3) to form a saw frame (2); and sawing the provided component block (1) into the plurality of components (11-15) using the saw frame (2).

Abstract: In a multilayer piezoelectric element comprising a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers which are alternately stacked one upon another, the metal layers includes a plurality of high resistance metal layers having a higher electrical resistance than adjacent metal layers on the both sides. The high resistance metal layers are regularly arranged so as to interpose a plurality of different metal layers other than the high resistance metal layers. In another multilayer piezoelectric element in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of metal layers are alternately stacked one upon another, at least one layer of the metal layers is formed by a plurality of partial metal layers disposed between the piezoelectric layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymers, transducers and devices that convert between electrical and mechanical energy. When a voltage is applied to electrodes contacting an electroactive polymer, the polymer deflects. This deflection may be used to do mechanical work. Similarly, when the electroactive polymer deflects, an electric field is produced in the polymer. This electric field may be used to produce electrical energy. An active area is a portion of a polymer having sufficient electrostatic force to enable deflection of the portion and/or sufficient deflection to enable a change in electrostatic force. The present invention relates to transducers and devices including multiple active areas. The invention also relates to methods for actuating one or more active areas.

Abstract: A piezoelectric component with a monolithic stack has piezoceramic layers and electrode layers arranged alternately one on top of the other, at least one porous security layer arranged in the stack for the formation of a crack if mechanical overload of the stack occurs, at least one outer electrode arranged at a lateral surface section for electric contacting of the electrode layers and a plastic sheath of the stack for protecting the stack, wherein the plastic sheath has silicon. The piezoelectric component is characterized in that a coating of the outer electrode, has silicon-free polymer, is arranged between the outer electrode and the plastic sheath. By coating the plating of the outer electrode, the area of the security layer present directly under the plating is protected from silicon component deposits. The piezoelectric component is used for the control of valves, particularly of injection valves of internal combustion engines.

Abstract: A surface wave sensor apparatus has a structure such that, on a first principal surface of a base substrate having first through-hole conductors, surface acoustic wave devices are bonded via thermo-compression anisotropic conductive sheets, on first principal surfaces of piezoelectric substrates of the surface acoustic wave devices, electrodes, such as IDTs, are provided, respectively. These electrodes extend toward second principal surfaces via second through-hole conductors and are provided in the piezoelectric substrates. The first through-hole conductors overlap with the second through-hole conductors with the thermo-compression anisotropic conductive sheets being disposed therebetween, respectively.

Abstract: To provide a multi-layer piezoelectric element having high strength against breakage, high insulation and excellent displacement performance, and an injection apparatus that incorporates the same. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprising a stack 4 constituted from a plurality of piezoelectric layers 1 stacked one on another via internal electrode layers 2, wherein at least a part of peripheral areas 31, that are disposed between two piezoelectric layers 1, 1 located adjacently in the stacking direction and are located between an edge 2a of the internal electrode layer 2 and side face 4a of the stack 4, is disperse areas where a plurality of metallic regions are dispersed via voids 21.

Abstract: A piezoelectric driving device including a laminated body having a base that is capable of being deformed by applying force, a first piezoelectric body that is formed on a first face of the base directly or via another layer, and a second piezoelectric body that is formed on a second face of the base substantially parallel to the first face directly or via another layer, a driving voltage generating section that generates a driving voltage according to a displacement amount of the laminated body, a compensating voltage generating section that generates a compensating voltage compensating for hysteresis caused by the displacement of the laminated body by the driving voltage, and a voltage applying section that applies each of the driving voltage and the compensating voltage to each of the first piezoelectric body and the second piezoelectric body.

Abstract: A piezoelectric component with a body in which electrically connected transducer elements are realized is disclosed. The transducer elements are separated from each other by an essentially field-free neutral region of the body. A first transducer element has electrically connected first electrodes, and a second transducer element has electrically connected second electrodes. In addition, at least one third electrode, which is arranged in the first and second transducer element is provided. At least three of the first and third electrodes are arranged in an alternating sequence. At least three of the second and third electrodes are arranged in an alternating sequence. The neutral area is perpendicular to the planes in which the electrodes are arranged.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element is formed by stacking piezoelectric layers and internal electrode layers. The internal electrode layers are positive and negative electrode layers. The positive electrode layers are first and second positive electrode layers. The negative electrode layers are first and second negative electrode layers. Each of the first positive and negative electrode layers includes four divided electrodes and a connecting electrode for connecting a pair of the four divided electrodes formed on diagonally opposite two areas along a first diagonal direction on a principle surface of the associated one of the piezoelectric layers. Each of the second positive and negative electrode layers includes four divided electrodes and a connecting electrode for connecting a pair of the four divided electrodes formed on diagonally opposite two areas along a second diagonal direction on a principle surface of the associated one of the piezoelectric layers.

Abstract: Microelectromechanical systems with structures having piezoelectric actuators are described. The structures each have a body that supports piezoelectric islands. The piezoelectric islands have a first surface and a second opposite surface. The piezoelectric islands can be formed, in part, by forming cuts into a thick layer of piezoelectric material, attaching the cut piezoelectric layer to a body having etched features and grinding the piezoelectric layer to a thickness that is less than the depths of the cuts. Conductive material can be formed on the piezoelectric layer to form electrodes.

Abstract: Internal electrode layers (5) include a common electrode layer (3) and feed electrode layers (6) alternately placed in a stacking direction with piezoelectric layers (1) interposed between the common electrode layer (3) and the feed electrode layers (6). The common electrode layer (3) has a common electrode (3a). The feed electrode layers (6) include a first feed electrode layer (6a) and a second feed electrode layer (6b). The first feed electrode layer (6) has four divided electrodes (2a through 2d) and a first connection electrode (2e) for providing connection between two of the divided electrodes (2b, 2d). The second feed electrode layer (6) has four divided electrodes (4a through 4d) and a second connection electrode (4e) for providing connection between two of the divided electrodes (4a, 4c).

Abstract: In order to provide a multi-layer electronic component in which the occurrence of delamination between the ceramic layer and the internal electrode is restricted and a method for manufacturing the same, the multi-layer electronic component of the present invention comprises a stack formed by stacking piezoelectric layers and internal electrodes one on another alternately and a pair of external electrodes formed on two opposing side faces of the stack, wherein the internal electrode consists of a first internal electrode connected to the external electrode formed on one of the two side faces and a second internal electrode located between the first internal electrode and connected to the external electrode formed on the other one of the two side faces, and wherein the internal electrodes and the piezoelectric layers are faced in proximity so that a space between them is 2 ?m or less over an area occupying 50% or more of the active region where the first internal electrode and the second internal electrode oppo

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an electro-mechanical energy converter and a vibration wave driving apparatus that can facilitate miniaturization, high power, low cost and low voltage drive, by using a polygonal piezoelectric element with a plurality of electrode films divided by a boundary of electrode film on the polygonal piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric element having a laminated structure in which a plurality of piezoelectric layers and a plurality of internal electrodes are alternately laminated is provided. This laminated structure has an opposing section wherein an internal electrode on an anode side and an internal electrode on a cathode side which are adjacent to each other in the laminating direction, oppose in the laminating direction, and an end-side non-opposing section situated in a position closer to end in the laminating direction than the opposing section. This end-side non-opposing section has a porous section having porosity larger than that of the internal electrodes.

Abstract: To provide a piezoelectric sensor in which a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference are provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece and a common electrode is provided on the other surface side so as to face the first and second electrodes, and which achieves highly reliable oscillation by reducing the influence of electrical coupling between the first electrode and the second electrode. A piezoelectric sensor includes: a first electrode for measurement and a second electrode for reference provided apart from each other on one surface side of a piezoelectric piece; a common electrode provided on the other surface side of the piezoelectric piece commonly for the first electrode and the second electrode to face the first electrode and the second electrode; and an adsorption layer formed on an area, of the common electrode, to which the first electrode is projected, to adsorb a substance to be sensed.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for operating a linear exhaust-gas probe has a measuring cell for measuring a gas concentration by determining a measuring-cell voltage, in addition to a pump cell for pumping gas. A comparator circuit compares the measuring-cell voltage with a target voltage and provides a corresponding analog deviation signal. A pump current source provides the pump current is controlled by the deviation signal using a control circuit for the approximation of the measuring cell voltage to the target voltage. In order to reliably limit the pump voltage with no significant detrimental effect on the operation, the circuit also comprises: a second comparator circuit for comparing the pump voltage with a predefined threshold voltage and for providing a corresponding binary switching signal; and a counter coupling path between the output of the pump current source and the control circuit, the path being enabled when the threshold voltage is exceeded.

Abstract: A monolithic piezoelectric element includes a stack, and the stack includes a crack-forming conductive layer arranged to intentionally form a small crack in the stack. The small crack alleviates stress, thereby preventing the occurrence of a large crack that may extend to the piezoelectrically active region.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator includes a first piezoelectric layer, a second piezoelectric layer stacked on the first piezoelectric layer, a first electrode arranged on the first piezoelectric layer, a second electrode arranged between the first and second piezoelectric layers, and a third electrode arranged on the second piezoelectric layer. A portion of the third electrode faces the second electrode, and another portion of the third electrode faces the first electrode. The first electrode does not face at least a portion of the second electrode. A portion, of the second piezoelectric layer, sandwiched between the second electrode and the third electrode is polarized in a first direction in a thickness direction thereof, and portions, of the first and the second piezoelectric layers, which are sandwiched between the first electrode and the third electrode and between which the second electrode is not arranged, are polarized in a direction opposite to the first direction.

Abstract: In a multilayered piezoelectric element, a side insulating film is accurately formed even on a thin multilayered structure. The element includes: a multilayered structure having a step formed on a side surface of the multilayered structure such that an end of an internal electrode is located on a convex portion of either side surface; a side insulating film for covering the end of the internal electrode on the convex portion of the side surface; a first flat electrode formed on one principal surface of the multilayered structure; a second flat electrode formed on the other principal surface of the multilayered structure; a first side electrode formed on a first side surface of the multilayered structure and connected to a first group of electrodes; and a second side electrode formed on a second side surface of the multilayered structure and connected to a second group of electrodes.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ceramic composition has the composition formula (Pb(a-b)Meb){(Ni(1-c).d/3Znc.d/3Nb2/3)zTixZr(1-x-z)}O3, wherein Me represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr and Ca; a, b, c, d, x and z satisfy the inequalities 0.975?a?0.998, 0?b?0.05, 1<d?1.40, and 0.39?x?0.47; and c and z are located in a region surrounded by lines connecting Point A (z=0.25, c=0.1), Point B (z=0.25, c=0.85), Point C (z=0.1, c=0.6), Point D (z=0.075, 0.5), Point E (z=0.05, c=0.2), and Point F (z=0.05, c=0.1) or located on the lines in the z-c plane. Therefore, the piezoelectric ceramic composition can be fired at a low temperature and is effective in achieving a large piezoelectric constant, a high Curie point and a small dielectric constant. A piezoelectric actuator contains the piezoelectric ceramic composition.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic probe in which individual wires led out from multilayered piezoelectric elements are arranged in a staggered manner, short-circuit is prevented. Each of the elements includes: a multilayered structure in which piezoelectric material layers and at least one internal electrode are stacked; first and second flat electrodes; first and second side electrodes; an insulating film formed at a second side surface side of the multilayered structure; a wiring member bonded to the first flat electrode on the one end of the multilayered structure by using a conducting adhesive material; and the wiring member is provided at the second side surface side of the multilayered structure and the insulating film electrically separates the second side electrode and the conducting adhesive material in a first element, and the wiring member is provided at a first side surface side of the multilayered structure in a second element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric perovskite mixed oxide compound has the general formula (BiFeO3)x—(PbTiO3)1-X and contains up to 5 at % lanthanum or other rare earth substitution, in which x has a value in the range 0.5 to 0.9. Such compounds are capable of withstanding gas turbine operating temperatures and are suitable for use in sensing and actuation functions in aerospace and other applications.

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer with a body that includes a first functional part and a second functional part is disclosed. The second functional part has inner electrodes, located in the body, which are connected to outer electrodes of this part. The first outer electrode of the first functional part is arranged parallel to the inner electrodes of the second functional part, wherein the minimum distance between the first outer electrode of the first functional part and the respective outer electrodes of the second functional part is selected greater than the distance between the first outer electrode of the first functional part and a terminal inner electrode of the second functional part facing it.

Abstract: With the invention, both a longitudinal vibration mode and a flexural vibration mode are independently detected, or only the longitudinal vibration mode is detected, without using a special device. The invention provides an ultrasonic motor including electromechanical transducers for driving, electromechanical transducers for vibration detection, and an ultrasonic vibrator in which, by supplying two-phase alternating voltages with a predetermined phase difference and predetermined driving frequency to the electromechanical transducers for driving, two different vibration modes are simultaneously generated to produce a substantially elliptical vibration at an output. It is possible to independently detect both the longitudinal vibration mode and the flexural vibration mode with the electromechanical transducers for vibration detection.

Abstract: There is provided a transducer array for lysing an adipose tissue, the transducer array comprising at least one unitary piece of piezoelectric material having first and second opposing surfaces; and one or more conductive layers on each of said first and second opposing surfaces, wherein at least one of said one or more conductive layers comprises a plurality of electrode elements.

Abstract: There is provided a transducer array comprising at least one unitary piece of piezoelectric material having first and second opposing surfaces; and a conductive layer on each of said first and second opposing surfaces, wherein at least one of said conductive layers is divided up into a plurality of electrode elements, and wherein said electrode elements, independently, are adapted to receive excitation energy of at least one of a predetermined amplitude and phase.

Abstract: A multi-layer piezoelectric element having high durability which allows it to increase the amount of displacement of a piezoelectric actuator under high voltage and high pressure and does not undergo a change in the amount of displacement during continuous operation in a high electric field and under a high pressure over a long time period is provided. The multi-layer piezoelectric element comprises a stack of at least one piezoelectric layer and a plurality of internal electrodes consisting of first and second internal electrodes placed one on another, a first external electrode formed on a first side face of the stack and connected to the first internal electrode and a second external electrode formed on a second side face of the stack and connected to the second internal electrode, wherein the bonding strength between the piezoelectric layer and the internal electrode is weaker than the bending strength of the piezoelectric layer.