Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer (101) comprises a layered structure (15) formed by alternately stacking a plurality of internal electrodes (13) and a plurality of piezo-electric ceramics layers (103) in thickness direction, first electrodes (21, 23) formed on side surfaces of said layered structure (15) and connected to said internal electrodes (13), at least one pair of second electrodes (27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) formed on the side surfaces in areas different from those of the first electrodes (21, 23) and having a same potential, and a circuit board for driving the piezoelectric transformer. The piezoelectric transformer (101) is mounted on the circuit board. Each of the at least one pair of the second electrodes (27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37) opposite to each other is electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A vibration control system comprising an actuator, and a sensor useful for controlling vibrations in systems for fabricating electronics equipment. The actuator may comprise one or more plates or elements of electro-active material bonded to an electroded sheet.

Abstract: A unidirectional acoustic probe including a high-performance interconnection network, and a method of manufacturing such a probe. The unidirectional acoustic probe includes linear piezoelectric transducers on the surface of a dielectric film. The dielectric film includes a connection device to electrically connect the piezoelectric transducers to a control device. The connection device includes primary connection pads, facing the piezoelectric transducers, secondary connection pads, offset with respect to the piezoelectric transducers, so that the transducers can be connected to the control device, and conducting tracks connecting the primary connection pads to the secondary connection pads. The conducting tracks are in a direction perpendicular to the direction defined by a major axis of the piezoelectric transducers.

Abstract: A method for producing a stacked piezoelectric element by alternately stacking a plurality of layers of an electrode material and piezoelectric layers having an electro-mechanical energy converting function and provided with penetrating electrodes, which are obtained by forming through holes in each piezoelectric layer and filling such through holes with the electrode material, to be connected at a contact portion with a layer of the electrode material and sintering the thus stacked layers, includes a step of forming, on a first layer of the electrode material, a second layer of electrode material by printing at a peripheral area of the contact portion between the first layer of the electrode material and the penetrating electrodes.

Abstract: A substrate is formed with a chamber having an opening which is defined by first edges extending in a first direction with a first dimension and second edges extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction with a second dimension shorter than the first dimension. A vibration plate is provided on the substrate so as to seal the opening. A first common electrode to be fixed at a predetermined potential is formed on the vibration plate. A first piezoelectric layer is laminated on the first common electrode so as to oppose the chamber. The first piezoelectric layer extends in the first direction such that both end portions thereof in the first direction are beyond the second edges of the opening. A drive electrode to which a drive signal is supplied externally is laminated on the first piezoelectric layer. A second piezoelectric layer is laminated on the drive electrode so as to oppose the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer that is easy and inexpensive to produce. The inventive transducer comprises stacked piezoelectric elements between which contact electrodes (G, S, E) are interposed via which the piezoelectric elements are electrically connected. The contact electrodes (G, S, E) are configured as planar terminal lugs that are connected to the outside from a flexible printed board.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monolithic multilayer actuator comprising a sintered stack of thin films, made from piezo-ceramic with inlaid metallic inner electrodes which extend from the stack on alternate sides and are electrically wired in parallel with external electrodes (3, 4) and are provided with connector wires (5). According to the invention, the actuator may be supplied with nominal voltage over a long period of time, without a change in the properties thereof, whereby the multilayer actuator (1) is sealed within a metallic or ceramic housing (8, 11, 16), the connector wires (5) are integral parts of the housing base (11) and the housing (8, 11, 16) is filled with a water-absorbing medium (14) and a water-transporting, electrically-insulating medium (15).

Abstract: One aspect of the invention relates to a composite member for a resonator having an active piezoelectric element and a passive piezoelectric element. The active piezoelectric element causes the resonator to vibrate and detects the frequency of the vibration. The passive piezoelectric element changes the frequency of the vibration. Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for controlling a resonator with composite member having a substrate carrying a composite piezoelectric element. The composite piezoelectric element includes an actuator element, a sensor element and a passive element. The method comprises inducing a resonance within the composite member with the actuator element, detecting the resonance with the sensor element, and altering the resonance by altering the electromechanical coupling of the passive element. Additional aspects and benefits of the invention are also given.

Abstract: A micromechanical switch comprises a substrate, at least one pair of support members fixed to the substrate, at least one pair of beam members placed in proximity and parallel to each other above the substrate, and connected to one of the support members, respectively, each of the beam members having a moving portion which is movable with a gap with respect to the substrate, and a contact portion provided on the moving portion, and a driving electrode placed on the substrate between the pair of beam members to attract the moving portions of the beam members in a direction parallel to the substrate with electrostatic force so that the contact portions of the beam members which are opposed to each other are short-circuited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric actuator, in particular for actuating control valves or injection valves of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, having a circular, cylindrical piezoelectric actuator body in the form of a multilayered laminate made up of stacked layers of piezoelectric material with intervening metallic or electrically conductive, alternating first and second electrode layers that function as electrodes, wherein these first and second electrode layers alternatingly contact a first and second electrically conductive common electrode connection.

Abstract: A stator includes first and second piezoelectric elements, a flexible aluminum-based connective arrangement and upper and lower aluminum-based metal blocks. The flexible aluminum-based connective arrangement includes first to fourth aluminum-based electrodes, which apply a voltage to the piezoelectric elements to generate a vibration. Each aluminum-based electrode is made of one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy and directly contacts a corresponding one of axial ends of the piezoelectric elements. Each aluminum-based metal block is made of one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy. The piezoelectric elements and the aluminum-based electrodes are interposed between the aluminum-based metal blocks.

Abstract: The present invention presents a system for a compound actuator. The system includes first and second electrode layers each including two electrode sections, an intermediate electrode layer between the first and second electrode layers, and first and second electrostrictive materials that change length in an applied electrical field. The first electrostrictive material is positioned between the first and intermediate electrode layers. The second electrostrictive material is positioned between the intermediate and second electrode layers. The first electrostrictive material has a first length adjoining the first electrode section and a second length adjoining the second electrode section. The second electrostrictive material has a third length adjoining the fourth electrode section and a fourth length adjoining the fifth electrode section.

Abstract: A stacked electro-mechanical energy conversion element includes a plurality of layers having a circular shape each of which is formed of a material having an electro-mechanical energy conversion function and has a through-hole in the center thereof, a plurality of electrode portions formed at least on one surface of the layers and separated from each other by a plurality of first non-electrode portions, a plurality of wiring conductors which penetrate the plurality of layers and electrically connect electrode portions of the different layers, and a plurality of second non-electrode portions formed in the periphery of the wiring conductors so as to prevent the wiring conductors from being rendered conductive to the electrode portions, wherein the wiring conductors are formed at least on or in the vicinity of an edge of an outer diameter of each layer, and the electrode portions are formed over the edge of the outer diameter except for portions at which the second non-electrode portions are formed.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element for actuating a mechanical component, is proposed in which, with a multilayer structure of piezoelectric layers, the inner electrodes disposed between them can be subjected to an electrical voltage. Since the piezoelectric layers with the inner electrodes function like capacitors, a shunting resistor for a requisite electrical discharge is formed, preferably in the head or foot part, by forming resistor tracks out of a resistor layer.

Abstract: An electromechanical functional module and associated process for production thereof, which includes at least one transducer, at least one upper fiber cover layer, which is nonconducting and is positioned over the at least one transducer having a first electrode and a second electrode, at least one lower fiber cover layer, which is nonconducting and is positioned below the at least one transducer, at least one fiber interlayer, which is nonconducting with at least one cut-out for accommodating the at least one transducer, at least one upper electric contact strip that is integrally connected to the at least one upper fiber cover layer and in contact with the first electrode of the at least one transducer, and at least one lower electric contact strip that is integrally connected to the at least one lower fiber cover layer and in contact with the second electrode of the at least one transducer, wherein the at least one upper fiber cover layer, the at least one lower fiber cover layer and the at least one trans

Abstract: An assembly and method for array processing of hermetically sealed Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) Devices employs a non-conductive material having an array of spaced cavities extending into the material for receiving a SAW die face down, in a flip-chip arrangement. Each cavity has a peripheral recess dimensioned to receive a lid for hermetically sealing the die within the cavity. Conductive paths are provided from the interior of the cavity to the surface of the array for providing an electrical contact with the SAW die. Individual SAW devices are then provided by cutting along separation lines between adjacent cavities after a plurality of die have been hermetically sealed within its cavity.

Abstract: Acoustic resonator devices having multiple resonant frequencies and methods of making the same are described. In one aspect, an acoustic resonator device includes an acoustic resonant structure that includes first and second electrodes and first and second piezoelectric layers. The first and second electrodes abut opposite sides of a resonant volume free of any interposing electrodes. The first and second piezoelectric layers are disposed for acoustic vibrations in the resonant volume and have different respective acoustical resonance characteristics and respective piezoelectric axes oriented in different directions. The acoustic resonant structure has resonant electric responses at first and second resonant frequencies respectively determined at least in part by the acoustical resonance characteristics of the first and second piezoelectric layers.

Abstract: A film bulk acoustic device having integrated trimmable device comprises a FBAR and a integrated tunable and trimmable device being integrated on a common substrate, at least a common electrode or piezoelectric layer. By trimming the integrated trimmable device or the FBAR and alter either the capacitance or inductance of the integrated trimmable device until the film bulk acoustic device having integrated trimmable device achieves the target resonance frequency. By taking advantage of the electrostatic force, the integrated tunable device is capable of providing tuning until the film bulk acoustic device having integrated tunable device achieves the target resonance frequency.

Abstract: With actuators according to prior art, it is known that, in the inactive region, which is required for contact purposes, irregularities in expansion occur. These produce cracks in the piezoelectrically inactive electrode region, which may occur at regular intervals. As a result of the irregularities in expansion, the stresses accumulate in the passively expanded regions, up to a level at which they are relieved by crack formation. It is therefore proposed according to the invention that the contact surfaces (17), and therefore the inactive regions (15) assigned to them, of one or a predetermined number of electrodes of the same polarity (11; 30 to 37; 39, 40), arranged above one another in the same direction, are arranged offset to one another by a predetermined angle (22) of the size ?, opposite the contact surfaces (17), and therefore the inactive regions (15) assigned to them, of the preceding internal electrode or a predetermined number of preceding electrodes of the same alignment and the same polarity.

Abstract: An electro-active transducer for sonic applications includes a ferroelectric material sandwiched by first and second electrode patterns to form a piezo-diaphragm coupled to a mounting frame. When the device is used as a sonic actuator, the first and second electrode patterns are configured to introduce an electric field into the ferroelectric material when voltage is applied to the electrode patterns. When the device is used as a sonic sensor, the first and second electrode patterns are configured to introduce an electric field into the ferroelectric material when the ferroelectric material experiences deflection in a direction substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: A thin film piezoelectric element including a first structure having a sequential stack of layers, a first main electrode layer, a first opposed electrode layer and a first piezoelectric thin film having a first polarizing direction located between the first electrode layers, a second structure having as a sequential stack of layers, a second main electrode layer, a second opposed electrode layer and a second piezoelectric thin film having a second polarizing direction located between the second electrode layers, an insulating resin layer covering peripheral portions of the first and second structures, and at least one connecting electrode pad located at a side of one of the first and second structures, for connecting the main electrode layer and the opposed electrode layer of the structures to external equipment, wherein each first and second structures has a cross-sectional shape such that the piezoelectric thin film is tapered, diminishing in width, from a portion near the main electrode layer to a portion

Abstract: A lamination type piezoelectric device includes a piezoelectric member that is longer in one direction, and a plurality of internal electrodes extending substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction and arranged so as to be opposed to each other via piezoelectric layers, respectively. Bending vibration in which the piezoelectric member is bent substantially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction thereof is excited using a piezoelectric longitudinal effect.

Abstract: A longitudinally-coupled multi-mode piezoelectric bulk wave filter using the piezoelectric longitudinal effect includes a plurality of excitation electrodes extending substantially parallel to each other, a laminated piezoelectric body including a plurality of piezoelectric layers arranged between the excitation electrodes and polarized in a predetermined direction, an input electrode and output electrode disposed on a first side surface of the laminated piezoelectric body, and a ground electrode disposed on a second side surface of the laminated piezoelectric body. When an input signal is applied between the input electrode and the ground electrode, vibration modes of different orders of harmonic waves are excited and coupled so that an output signal is output between the output terminal and the ground terminal.

Abstract: A piezoceramic actuator includes a monolithic stack of thin piezoceramic films having internal electrodes arranged between the films, and rail-like elements electrochemically shaped onto the internal electrodes on outer sides of the stack. The internal electrodes can thereby be interconnected, via a suitable conductive element, in electrically conductive fashion at a certain distance from the side edges of the piezoceramic films so that these films form a continuous planar electrically conductive ribbon.

Abstract: A bimorph actuator is driven by electrostrictive materials configured to change length in response to applied electrical field. A first electrostrictive material is positioned between a first electrode and a second electrode. A second electrostrictive material is positioned between a second electrode and a third electrode. The second electrostrictive material and the first electrostrictive material are attached to each other such that a differential change in their respective lengths results in a lateral motion. A first voltage source provides a voltage differential between the first electrode and the third electrode. A second variable voltage applied to the second electrode causes the length of the first electrostrictive material to lengthen when the second electrostrictive material shortens, and vice versa. A system of electrodes for the bimorph actuator and a method for actuating electrostrictive materials are also provided.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device for an injector is built into an injector and generates driving force of the injector. A relation d(0.1Ec)/d(1.2Ec)?0.50 is established between an apparent piezoelectric constant d(1.2Ec) calculated from static elongation when an electric field of 1.2Ec is applied to the piezoelectric device in the same direction as a polarizing direction while a preset load of 500 N is applied to the piezoelectric device, and an apparent piezoelectric constant d(0.1Ec) calculated from static elongation when an electric field of 0.1 Ec is applied to the piezoelectric device in the same direction as the polarizing direction. The piezoelectric device so fabricated has high durability and can be used for a long time.

Abstract: A matrix type piezoelectric/electrostrictive (PIE) actuator includes a plurality of piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements, each including a piezoelectric/electrostrictive body and at least one pair of electrodes formed on a ceramic substrate. The matrix type P/E actuator is activated by displacement of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive bodies. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive elements are joined to the ceramic substrate as respective unified bodies, and are two-dimensionally arranged independently from each other. The piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator provides a greater displacement with a lower voltage, a high responsive speed, and a greater generating force, as well as enhancing the mounting ability and the integration. A method for manufacturing such a matrix type P/E actuator is also disclosed.

Abstract: A resonator device includes a piezoelectric resonator having a detuning layer sequence arranged on the piezoelectric resonator. The detuning layer sequence includes at least a first layer having a high acoustic impedance and a second layer having a low acoustic impedance.

Abstract: A three-terminal filter using the area flexural vibration mode is smaller than filters using the area expansion vibration mode or the length vibration mode, and is easily adjusted to produce a desired frequency by changing the thickness and length of the three-terminal filter. The three-terminal filter includes three electrodes having a substantially square shape, and two piezoelectric layers having a substantially square shape, which are alternately laminated. The piezoelectric layers are polarized in the same thickness direction as the thickness direction, or in opposite thickness directions. The three-terminal filter further includes one surface electrode that functions as an input electrode, another surface electrode that functions as an output electrode, and an internal electrode that functions as a ground electrode.

Abstract: A head support mechanism includes a slider for carrying a head at least for performing reproduction of data from a disk, and a holding portion for holding the slider. The holding portion includes: a first portion including a first piezoelectric element; a second portion including a second piezoelectric element; a third portion connected to the first and second portions, the slider being provided on the third portion; and fixing portion for fixing the first and second portions. At least one of the first and second piezoelectric elements is contracted and expanded in a direction substantially parallel to a surface of the disk, in the presence of an applied voltage so that the slider provided on the third portion is rotated around a predetermined center of rotation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric type electric acoustic converter achieves large improvement in shatter resistance strength, increased operating efficiency and reduced size, and includes piezoelectric ceramic layers which are laminated to form a laminate. Main surface electrodes are disposed on the front and back main surfaces of the laminate, and an internal electrode is disposed between respective ceramic layers. A side electrode which connects the main surface electrodes, and a side electrode which is conducted to the internal electrode are formed on the side surface of the laminate. All the ceramic layers are polarized in the same direction, and by applying an alternating signal between the main surface electrodes and the internal electrode, bending vibration of the laminate occurs. The front and back surfaces of the laminate is almost entirely covered with resin-layers.

Abstract: A vibrating gyroscope includes a vibrator having a longitudinal direction and being capable of vibrating in a bending mode in a bending direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The vibrator has first and second nodes which elongate in a direction perpendicular to both the bending direction and the longitudinal direction and first, second, third and fourth supporting members connected to the vibrator such that the first node is interposed between the first and second supporting members and the second node is interposed between the third and fourth supporting members. The first node is located at the vicinity of either the first supporting member or the second supporting member, and the second node is located at the vicinity of either the third supporting member or the fourth supporting member.

Abstract: A longitudinally coupled multi-mode piezoelectric bulk wave filter device which is manufactured at low cost, presents a wide bandwidth, results in a large attenuation, and includes first and second piezoelectric bulk wave filters which are mounted on a casing substrate. The first and second piezoelectric bulk wave filters are arranged such that the distance between the ground electrodes of the first and second piezoelectric bulk wave filters is smaller than the distance between input electrodes of the first and second piezoelectric bulk wave filters and the distance between output electrodes of the first and second piezoelectric bulk wave filters. When an input signal is applied between the input electrode and the ground electrode, harmonic waves of different orders are excited and coupled. A filter output is provided between the output electrode and the ground electrode.

Abstract: A form-adaptable electrode structure in layer construction includes at least two conductor layers, between which an insulating layer is disposed, the conductor layers having first and second electrode strips arranged in each case in parallel, and the electrode strips of the first conductor layer being arranged at an angle with respect to the electrode strips of the second conductor layer, so that a net-like structure is formed, and the first electrode strips of the first conductor layer being conductively interconnected with the first electrode strips of the second conductor layer, and the second electrode strips of the first conductor layer being conductively interconnected with the second electrode strips of the second conductor layer via the insulating layer at intersections of the net-like structure.

Abstract: A compact and high-power piezoelectric transformer is realized by using higher order longitudinal extensional mode vibrations and increasing an effective electromechanical coupling factor by a primary electrode which consists of plural electrodes.

Abstract: In a piezoelectric resonator, first and second resonance electrodes are provided on the upper surface and the lower surface of a piezoelectric member, inner electrode layers for leading the first and second resonance electrodes to the upper and lower surfaces are provided and extend to the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric member, and connecting electrodes are provided on the upper and lower surfaces of the piezoelectric member, and are electrically connected to the corresponding resonance electrodes via the inner electrode layers.

Abstract: A piezo linear drive including a group of piezo actuator stacks configured to drive a moving member located in a guidance device, and located on a joint substrate in a hybrid arrangement; wherein within a stack extending from the substrate a first stack part is configured as a longitudinal actuator and a second stack part is configured as a shearing actuator, the second stack part is equipped with a wear-resistant end plate which is in at least one of a clamping contact and shearing contact with the moving member, and at least two identical motors are located adjacent to each other in order to perform alternating clamping and advancing movements during a stepping operation.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is disclosed, which includes a first element of porous crystalline material, a second element being attached to, or integrally formed with, the first element, and at least one electrode being in electrical contact with the first element, such that subjecting the first element to an electric potential via the at least one electrode results in a strain induced by the first element on the second element. Also disclosed is a piezooptic device which includes a first element of porous crystalline material, a second element being attached to, or integrally formed with, the first element, and a light source, such that subjecting the first element to light originating from the light source results in a strain induced by the first element on the second element.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device includes electrode films and piezoelectric ceramic layers. The piezoelectric ceramic layers have a number of at least 4 and are alternately laminated with the electrode films. A first support member has a first projection, whereas a second support member has a second projection. The first and second support members are arranged such that the first and second projections are opposed to each other. The piezoelectric device is disposed between the first and second projections, and is held by end faces of the first and second projections.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer includes a first outer-electrode group and includes a first outer-electrode group and a second outer-electrode group, in which the piezoelectric elements and the internal electrodes is alternately layered respectively, and that are connected to the corresponding internal electrodes. Upon alternating voltage being applied to the first outer-electrode group and/or the second outer-electrode group, a primary resonant mode and a secondary resonant mode are simultaneously excited to generate ultrasonic elliptical vibration. The ultrasonic transducer further includes conducting films for connecting outer electrodes, formed closely contacting with the surface of the ultrasonic transducer, so as to electrically connecting predetermined outer electrodes in the first outer-electrode group to predetermined outer electrodes in the second outer-electrode group.

Abstract: A method for producing an energy trap piezoelectric resonator which operates in a thickness longitudinal vibration mode and which includes a piezoelectric member and first and second vibrating electrodes disposed on respective major surfaces of the piezoelectric member, involves the use of a piezoelectric material having an R value and an A value which are selected such that Qe=C/(R×A), where R and A are the average pore size in micrometers and the porosity in percent of the piezoelectric member, respectively. Here, Qe is a value at a frequency to be used and C is a constant that is determined by the piezoelectric material of the piezoelectric member. An energy trap, thickness longitudinal piezoelectric resonator produced by this method has a sufficiently high response to a vibration mode to be used, without any limitation on the type of piezoelectric material and size of the piezoelectric member and the frequency to be used.

Abstract: External electrodes on piezoceramic multilayer actuators, composed of a layer of a basic metallization applied to the ceramic material of the surface of a actuator, to which metallization there is joined by means of a joining layer a reinforcing layer to which a connecting wire is soldered, wherein the layer of basic metallization is structured by discontinuities or recesses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric actuator, especially for actuating control valves or injection valves in motor vehicles, having an actuator body (1) in the form of a multilayer laminate of layered plies of piezoelectric material and intervening metal or electrically conductive layers (2a, 2b), acting as electrodes, which are contacted in alternation by metal outer electrodes (3, 5), facing one another on the jacket side in the longitudinal direction of the actuator body (1), that are at least in the form of laminar electrode strips (3), and the outer electrodes (3, 5) are in contact with electric terminal leads (7) for connecting the piezoelectric actuator to an electrical voltage. The piezoelectric actuator is characterized in that the outer electrodes (3, 5) also have additional electrodes (5) that are in contact at a plurality of points, via narrow elastic feet (6), with the laminar electrode strips (3).

Abstract: A piezoelectric transformer apparatus is disclosed for converting electrical input energy into output for driving a load under optimized conditions. The transformer apparatus comprises at least one actuator section and at least one sensor section. The at least one actuator section has a modal-shaped electrode for optimized electrical-to-mechanical energy conversion for exciting mechanical vibration in the apparatus. The at least one sensor section has a sensor electrode with the electrical impedance of output static capacitance thereof matched to impedance of the load for optimized conversion of the energy of said excited mechanical vibration into electrical energy for driving said load.

Abstract: An ultrasonic horn assembly for applying ultrasonic energy at an operating location which assembly includes a metallic fusion zone at an interface between adjacent horn assembly components. A method of manufacturing an ultrasonic horn assembly including forming this metallic fusion zone.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device 1 for an injector, built into an injector and generating driving force of the injector, wherein a relation d(0.1 Ec)/d(1.2 Ec)≧0.50 is established between an apparent piezoelectric constant d(1.2 Ec) calculated from static elongation when an electric field of 1.2 Ec is applied to the piezoelectric device in the same direction as a polarizing direction while a preset load of 500 N is applied to the piezoelectric device, and an apparent piezoelectric constant d(0.1 Ec) calculated from static elongation when an electric field of 0.1 Ec is applied to the piezoelectric device in the same direction as the polarizing direction. The piezoelectric device so fabricated has high durability and can be used for a long time.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards structures for use with micro-formed membrane ultrasonic transducers, and methods for fabricating the structures. In one embodiment, the transducer includes a planar member having a piezoelectric material and spaced apart electrodes disposed on the planar member and coupled to the piezoelectric material for applying an electric field to the layer, and an acoustic backing member joined to the electrodes. In another embodiment, the transducer includes a planar member having a piezoelectric material that adjoins a semiconductor material, the semiconductor material having monolithically formed active circuits formed in the layer and coupled to the piezoelectric material. In still another embodiment, the transducer includes a planar member having a piezoelectric material, and an acoustic backing member having an adjoining layer of a semiconductor material having monolithically formed active circuits, the active circuits being coupled to the electrodes.

Abstract: An ultrasound transducer that includes a piezoelectric film having a first end and a second end, a plurality of electrodes disposed on the piezoelectric film, at least one securing member and a support structure which is generally cylindrical. The first end and the second end of the piezoelectric film are secured to the support structure by at least one securing member.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator having a plurality of plates of a piezoelectric material whose polarization direction runs perpendicularly to the plate plane, and which are stacked one over another in their polarization direction. The piezoelectric actuator includes a control voltage source having two contacts, two groups of at least two outer electrodes, respectively, and a plurality of internal electrodes which, in each case, are arranged between the piezoelectric plates. In this context, the outer electrodes of the first group are electrically connected to a first contact of control voltage source, and the outer electrodes of the second group to the second contact of control voltage source. Internal electrodes alternately contact outer electrodes in such a way that, in each case, an internal electrode is electrically connected to one contact of control voltage source, and the internal electrode that is next in the stacking direction is electrically connected to the other contact of control voltage source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piezoelectric adjusting element, in particular a piezoelectric motor in the form of a monolithic plate-shaped or cylindrical piezoelectric oscillator comprised of a first and of a second kind of main surfaces and of groups of electrodes that are allocated to them, comprised of a housing, a driven element, at least one friction layer arranged on the housing or on the driven element, a driving element that is connected to an electric excitation source and that is in friction contact with the friction layer, and the piezoelectric oscillator is excited by way of the groups of electrodes standing longitudinal acoustic waves in the direction of an oscillator resonant length and in the direction of an oscillator resonant height of this piezoelectric oscillator, and the oscillator resonant length is equal to an integral multiple of the wave length of the standing longitudinal wave that vibrates in its direction, and the oscillator resonant height is equal to one half of the wave length of t