Abstract: An electromechanical translator apparatus (24) which is especially suitable for use as the coarse positioner in a scanning tunneling microscope (10) (STM) which enables a specimen to be positioned with a resolution in the order of atomic distances (in the nanometer range) has a housing (26) containing a piezolectric driver in the form of a sleeve (32) surrounding a shaft (21) on one end of which the specimen (18) may be mounted. The driver sleeve (32) has an extension element (2) with clamping elements (1, 3) on opposite ends thereof and is connected and referenced to the housing at a region (4) thereon spaced from the extension element and preferably between the extension element (2) and the one of the clamping elements (1) closest to the end of the shaft (22) on which the specimen (18) is mounted (in the direction of controlled movement toward the scanning tip (16) of the STM).

Abstract: For the purpose of utilizing the characteristic in a vibration energy entrapping mode of a higher order symmetric or asymmetric mode vibration generated when a piezoelectric resonator is excited, there are provided a portion having a cutoff frequency f.sub.2 about an energy entrapping portion having a cutoff frequency f.sub.1 for strongly exciting a higher order symmetric or asymmetric mode vibration and at least one energy absorbing portion having a cutoff frequency f.sub.3 (at least f.sub.1 and f.sub.3 <f.sub.2). The size of the energy entrapping portion (electrode), amount of plateback (f.sub.2 -f.sub.1)/f.sub.

Abstract: A piezoelectric revolving resonator comprising a circular or cylindrical transducer element, in which the center of gravity of the resonator revolves eccentrically around the center of an original circle as a result of resonance thereof upon excitation of the 1st order resonance frequency. Also, the ultrasonic motor is disclosed comprising a resonator of gravity center revolution type with the center of gravity thereof revolving in reversibly clockwise or counterclockwise direction and a rotor pressure fitted on the resonator, the motor utilizing the rotational torque received by the motor through a frictional force.

Abstract: An improved ultrasonic transducer designed for rugged outdoor applications uses a thin-walled cylindrical tube of polarized ceramic operating in the fundamental circumferential resonant frequency mode. The major portion of the external surface area of the vibrating cylinder is covered by a sound insulating barrier, thereby preventing sound radiation from the covered non-radiating surface area portion of the cylinder. Specific unique relationships between the diameter, length and wall thickness of the ceramic tube, which are necessary to achieve the objects of the invention, are described.

Abstract: A laminated piezoelectric transducer, comprising a laminate of a plurality of piezoelectric plates with paste electrodes inserted therebetween and bonding the plates together. Rows of metal extrusions are made by electroless plating onto the paste electrodes on the peripheral outer surface of the laminate. Each row of the metal extrusions is formed onto and electrically connected to alternate paste electrodes, so that by electrically connecting each row of the metal extrusions, the laminate of the piezoelectric plates is electrically connected in parallel. This laminated piezoelectric transducer allows the formation of the paste electrodes on the entire or at least substantially the entire main surfaces of the piezoelectric plates, and eliminates the need for the usual metal plate electrodes inserted between the piezoelectric plates.

Abstract: A cavity length control assembly for a ring laser gyro includes a mirror support to which a piezoelectric plate is mounted. The piezoelectric plate is mounted at a center post of the mirror support with a preload tension. An outer perimeter of the piezoelectric plate is supported against the perimeter of the mirror support, thereby permitting the piezoelectric plate to exert axial force against the perimeter, without being radially restrained at the perimeter.

Abstract: A transmitter- receiver of an ultrasonic distance measuring device comprising a cylindrical piezoelectric element made of a polymer in place of a piezoelectric vibrator of a ceramic material or the like which has heretofore been used. The cylindrical piezoelectric element is secured to a columnar supporter in such a manner as to define a chamber in cooperation with a recess which is provided in the peripheral surface of the supporter. The supporter is provided with a pressure equalizing bore which provides communication between the chamber and the outside. In addition, a conical reflector is provided so as to impart directivity to the ultasonic wave transmitted from the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A transducer is comprised of a piezoelectric ceramic cylindrical vibrator vibrating radially, and a sheet provided on an outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical vibrator and including a fiber reinforced composite material with fibers oriented only in the direction of central axis of the cylindrical vibrator. Non-piezoelectric cylinder consisting of Al alloy or Mg alloy may be useable instead of the sheet. Another type of transducer includes a cylindrical piezo-transducer vibrating radially, a cylindrical sound radiator with the central axis coincident with the cylindrical piezo-transducer, and a bending coupler provided at a predetermined interval on end surfaces of the two cylinders and coupling the cylindrical piezo-transducer and the cylindrical sound radiator.

Abstract: Piezoelectric resonator with maximum sensitivity to external pressure stres.The resonator includes means (2,3) for exerting nonlocalized radial compressive forces uniformly over diametrically opposed peripheral zones of the crystal (1) in which the zones occupy a predetermined sector 2.alpha. of at least approximately 110.degree. and are oriented so that the bisectors (A--A) of the peripheral zones form a predetermined angle .psi. with the crystallographic X axis of the crystal.Depending on the value of .psi., it is possible to minimize or, on the contrary, maximize the sensitivity of the resonator to the external pressure stresses.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuator having an active module formed by laminating a plurality of piezoelectric elements, in which the cross-sectional area of the element proximate the fixed end of the module is larger than that of the element proximate the movable end thereof. When the active module expands or contracts, the elements proximate the fixed end receive an inertial load of the elements proximate the movable end. Due to the above structure, a decrease in the inertial load can be realized, thereby preventing the elements near the fixed end from being damaged.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric transducer and a support member encasing the transducer. The transducer and the support member may have commonly disposed openings. The support member has a progressively increasing thickness at progressive positions from the opening to distribute equally the stresses at the different positions on the piezoelectric transducer. A plurality of such transducer assemblies may be disposed at spaced positions in an oil well with the support members supported on a support rail extending through the well. The support rail serves as an electrical ground. A bus bar extends through the well at positions corresponding substantially to the centers of the transducer assemblies. The bus bar is supported by electrically insulating spacer members extending from the support rail. A ring is supported at one end by the support rail and is coupled at the other end to a tubing. The tubing envelopes, the transducer assemblies, the support rail, the bus bar and the spacer members.

Abstract: A contact heater arrangement is disclosed for a piezoelectric effect crystal resonator. The piezoelectric effect crystal element may be an SC cut quartz crystal disc having electrodes affixed to one side thereof to generate a lateral field in the crystal disc. The contact heater element is applied to the side of the crystal element opposite the side on which the electrodes are affixed. The particular pattern of the heater leaves the center of the crystal element exposed for frequency adjustment purposes. Locating the heating element and electrodes on opposite sides of the crystal element generates a constant temperature which has been found effective to uniformly heat a piezoelectric effect crystal element, and with appropriate control circuitry, allows for temperature stabilization of the crystal element.

Abstract: A traveling wave droplet generator for a continuous stream ink jet printer comprising an ink filled tube connected in the vicinity of one end to an ink reservoir. A piezoelectric driver assembly is mounted at the fill end of the tube. The tube has openings connecting to orifices of an aperture plate bonded thereto. The tube has a terminator at the end opposite to the piezoelectric driver to suppress reflection and standing wave formation. The ink streams emitted through the nozzles of the aperture plate are stimulated by the traveling wave causing the streams to break up at predetermined distances from the nozzles.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element energized to exhibit thickness-shear mode vibration is utilized to measure the viscosity of liquids. Electrodes, of an inert material are bonded to the major faces of the disc shaped crystal and are of a lesser diameter than the crystal surfaces so as to provide a concentric ring area of the crystal that is unenergized.

Abstract: A fuel injection valve having a piezoceramic valve body, comprising a plurality of superposed ceramic plates each having one conductor layer on each side and voltage leads to the conductor layers. Each ceramic plate is arranged on a carrier plate. Between each unit, consisting of a ceramic plate and a carrier plate, an insulating foil is provided with conductor foils arranged on each side as conductor layers. Each insulating foil comprises two terminal lugs. Each insulating foil, in the region of a terminal lug, is laminated on one side with one conductor foil. The correlated termial lugs are connected in each case to an electrical contact for the correlated conductor foils.

Abstract: The conversion of heat energy to electrical energy is realized by coupling memory materials to piezoelectric materials or to composite magnetoelectric materials and by subsequent hot-cold-strain cycling of the memory material. Embodiments of the invention provide solid state inverters, particle acceleration and focusing devices, and automatic hot-cold-strain cycling motor, and high voltage heat to electricity converters.

Abstract: A polymerization process and reactor utilizes a high power shock producing device for introducing high energy pulses shock waves to a body of constituent monomer molecules for breaking and making bonds. The high energy pulsed shock waves are generated and introduced into a body of the constituent monomerics to break the molecular bonds and create new bonding by a hollow piezoelectric shock tube mounted in an autoclave. A stirrer is operated simultaneously to stir away the new bonding sites and make them available for linkage to another monomer contained in the reactor vessel.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable fuel-injection valve for internal combustion engines has a piezoelectric vibrator (1) provided with electrodes (2, 3). A fuel-receiving chamber (4) in the vibrator is in fuel-conducting communication with a fuel feed path (constriction 5) and an ejection opening (outlet opening). The fuel feed path as well as the ejection opening are so shaped that upon the application of a voltage to the electrodes (2, 3) the fuel is imparted a preferred movement (8) through the chamber to the ejection opening.

Abstract: The shaping device, particularly for an extruder tool or calibrator unit, for an extruder for thermoplastic material comprises at least one outlet defining an adjustably positionable unit lip, an opposing lip and at least one positioning member acting on the unit lip which is a part of a control and/or regulating mechanism for the thickness of the extruded product. The positioning member is a piezoelectric translator connected to a voltage source having a plurality of piezoelectric disks positioned opposing each other which are combined in a plurality of groups according to operation and according to electrical circuitry considerations. The groups of the piezoelectric disks individually and the sum total of several of the groups including the group containing all of the piezoelectric disks are connectable to the voltage source.

Abstract: A ring-supported quartz crystal resonator having a circular peripheral surt region encircling an inner resonator region which is configured in the form of a domed arch wherein the top and bottom surfaces thereof are, respectively, convex and concave. In one embodiment the radius of curvature of the convex and concave top and bottom surfaces are substantially equal so that an arch of substantially uniform thickness is provided. In a second embodiment, the convex and concave top and bottom surfaces have different radii of curvature and, more particularly, the radius of curvature of the top surface is less than the radius of curvature of the bottom surfaces whereby a thickness of the inner region gradually increases uniformly toward the center. Such structures exhibit low resistance and improved mode spectrum.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibrator of thickness-shear mode including a vibrating plate made of AT-cut quartz and a pair of electrodes applied on major surfaces of the vibrating plate in opposition to each other. A part of a contour of the vibrating plate is made closer to the electrode by cutting off a corner of a square vibrating plate. An impedance of the piezoelectric vibrator for a fundamental vibration is extremely increased to suppress the fundamental vibration and thus the piezoelectric vibrator can vibrate stably at a third overtone frequency.

Abstract: An electrically variable three terminal monomorphic piezoelectric capacitor is manufactured with thick or thin film hybrid microelectronic circuit technology. A first capacitor plate and a ridge, which substantially surrounds and extends above the first capacitor plate, are formed on the surface of a substrate. A monomorphic piezoelectric wafer having a control plate and a second capacitor plate on opposing surfaces is bonded to the upper surface of the ridge. During bonding, a force is applied at the center of the wafer which fixes a permanent bow in the wafer in the direction of the first capacitor plate. A four terminal monomorphic embodiment and three and four terminal bimorphic embodiments are also described.

Abstract: In an electrically actuatable fuel-injection valve for internal combustion engines, a piezoelectric oscillator (radial oscillator 11) which is provided with electrodes has at least one fuel-receiving chamber (12). The chamber (12) is in communication with the fuel feed path (constant-volume chamber 20) and an ejection opening (bore 17). The oscillator (11) is mounted in a block (18) out of which the fuel feed path (constant-volume chamber 20) is also formed. Furthermore, a high-voltage generator (35) is located, electrically shielded from the outside, within the block (18), which consists of metal. The high-voltage generator is connected to the electrodes of the piezoelectric oscillator (11) via feed lines (14, 15) which are conducted within the block (18).

Abstract: An improved inertia sensitive device, which is directionally sensitive to activating impulses, comprises a piezoelectric plate (7), a housing (3,4) gripping the plate along at least a major part of its periphery, a weight (9) supported at or adjacent to the center of the plate, and means (FIG. 2) to detect signals generated by the plate (7).

Abstract: A planar type thickness shear mode quartz resonator which can be operated by an oscillation circuit free of any coils or condensers in the tuning circuit and in which the ratio between the diameter and the thickness of the resonator is so designed as to yield stable oscillation in the third overtone. The difference between the negative resistance of the oscillation circuit and the crystal impedance of the quartz resonator is greater in the third overtone than the difference in other oscillation modes.

Abstract: An electroacoustic transducer ring has an inner vibratile surface defining a ring cavity with a plurality of arcuately spaced electrodes affixed thereto. Planar partitions are placed in the ring cavity. The partition edges are parallel to the ring axis and are attached by a resilient strip to the ring inner surface in the arcuate spacing between the electrodes. The partitions have substantially continuous radial surfaces and when the partitions are substantially coextensive in the axial direciton with the ring axis optimal chordal and diametral isolation between the electrodes is provided.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer (10) with a pointed piezoelectric element (11) mounted on an electrically conductive damping mass (12), having a conductive tip (33), the damping mass (12) and conductive tip (33) being electrically connected to opposite terminals in a coaxial line (14). The conductive tip (33) has a convex wear member (35) for contact with a surface to be measured. In one version, the tip (33) is in contact with a flexible conductive sheet (17') for environmental protection.

Abstract: An ink jet drop-on-demand print head comprises a plurality of tubular piezoelectric transducers each having two electrodes formed by an electrically conducting coating. A housing member holds the transducers in a position which includes at least one row of transducers. A substrate includes a plurality of electrical conductors, and the substrate is positioned so that each electrical conductor is adjacent one of the electrodes. A resilient connector means is provided which is not conductive along its length but is conductive across its width, and the connector means is positioned to make contact with a selected one of the electrical conductors and only one of the electrodes of one of the transducers. In a specific embodiment, the substrate comprises a flat conductor cable, and in a second embodiment the substrate comprises a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A fine adjustment apparatus for an optical system lens includes an annular laminated piezoelectric vibrator. The lens is attached to the inner peripheral portion of the piezoelectric vibrator. The piezoelectric vibrator is firmly supported at its outer peripheral portion by a proper member. The piezoelectric vibrator is deflected by the application of a voltage, whereby the lens is finely displaced in the optical axis direction thereof. The piezoelectric vibrator may be formed by laminating two annular piezoelectric elements with an annular metal plate sandwiched therebetween. Each of the piezoelectric elements has the axis of polarization extending in the thicknesswise direction thereof. The metal plate has a thickness which does not exceed at least 25% of the total thickness of the two piezoelectric elements.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a piezoelectric transducer and a support member encasing the transducer. The transducer and the support member may have commonly disposed openings. The support member has a progressively increasing thickness at progressive positions from the opening to distribute equally the stresses at the different positions on the piezoelectric transducer. A plurality of such transducer assemblies may be disposed at spaced positions in an oil well with the support members supported on a support rail extending through the well. The support rail serves as an electrical ground. A bus bar extends through the well at positions corresponding substantially to the centers of the transducer assemblies. The bus bar is supported by electrically insulating spacer members extending from the support rail. A ring is supported at one end by the support rail and is coupled at the other end to a tubing. The tubing envelopes, the transducer assemblies, the support rail, the bus bar and the spacer members.

Abstract: A pressure sensing apparatus for use in an integrated circuit testing station is disclosed. The testing station includes a probe, a support structure, and lift means for moving an integrated circuit upward toward the probe. The invention specifically consists of a pressure pad secured to the support structure directly above the probe. The pad includes a resilient body portion having a rigid tip. Embedded within the pad is a piezoelectric element having electrical contact leads attached thereto. When the testing station is used, an integrated circuit is moved upward by the lift means toward the probe. As the circuit contacts the probe, it moves the probe upward. As the probe moves upward, it pushes on the pad, causing internal pressures to be generated therein. Such pressures are transmitted to the piezoelectric element which generates electrical impulses proportional to the pressures exerted on the pad.

Abstract: A cylindrical transducer for use as a low frequency hydrophone and having inner and outer electrodes at least one of which is deposited in a certain predetermined pattern having smooth continuous lines whereby the electrode coverage varies as a function of transducer axial length.

Abstract: Individual single crystal elements stacked one above the other are aligned with their optical (Z) axes parallel to each other, and are provided with contact electrodes on opposite surfaces normal to their electrical (X) axes. Contact electrodes of the same polarity are conductively connected by two bridge electrodes that are applied to opposite sides of the assembled stack of individual crystal elements in the form of a conductive coating, and are provided with a lead leaving the sensor element. Contact electrodes of the opposite polarity are recessed in the vicinity of the bridge electrode serve the other polarity.

Abstract: Improved focussing and increased bandwidth is obtained in a single-element ultrasonic transducer for non-destructive evaluation and material characterization applications. The piezoelectric ceramic element has a radius of curvature R.sub.1, and a combination lens and cover layer on its front surface has a radius of curvature R.sub.2 which is less than R.sub.1. The depth of field of the transducer is increased and the bandwidth improved; the total thickness of the lens may be selected to control bandwidth.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a high-frequency piezoelectric resonator includes the steps of (a) forming a region of reduced thickness in a central portion of a quartz disk, a step zone being formed at the transition between the thinned region and the non-thinned region; (b) depositing a conductive tongue on the step so as to extend over a portion of the non-thinned region and over a portion of the thinned region; (c) mounting two lead attachments on the disk; and (d) depositing first and second electrodes on the disc, each electrode coupled to a respective one of the lead attachments, a portion of the first electrode being deposited on the conductive tongue.

Abstract: A gyroscopic device comprising a resonator in the form of a disc, cylinder or like structure of circular outline, of a composition containing piezo-electric material and preferably made of a an integral mass of such material. The resonator is excited into dilatation-type vibration by electric currents applied to exciting electrodes electro-deposited in a regular pattern around the circumference of the structure, and these vibrations are sensed by detecting electrodes similarly deposited around the wall in a similar but angularly displaced pattern. A measure of any rate of turn which the structure is undergoing about its axis can be derived from the resulting phase shift of the electrical output from the detecting electrodes.

Abstract: An acoustic piezoelectric power transducer of sandwich shape with supply conductors pressed into grooves in the electrically conductive metal inserts and/or the piezoelectric plates.

Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of electrodes are formed on the two surfaces of a circular member of electrostrictive material, and every adjacent electrodes are simultaneously so polarized as to be mutually reverse in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An electroacoustical transducer includes a tubular member. The member has a gap extending the axial length of the member with a restricted circumferential length. The member has a particular thickness and/or diameter to vibrate at a particular frequency.A plurality of polarized sectionalized transducer elements are in closely stacked relationship within the member to provide unrestrained vibrations of the member at the ends defining the gap. The elements are bonded to the member to vibrate at the particular frequency in accordance with the introduction of alternating current signals to the elements. Means are operatively coupled to the transducer elements to introduce alternating current signals to the elements to produce vibrations of such elements.In one embodiment, the elements are disposed in an annular configuration in abutting relationship to one another and are bonded to the inner wall of the tubular member.

Abstract: A mechanically balanced pulsed ink droplet mechanism includes a disk or ring of piezoelectric ceramic material positioned within a metal ring of rectangular cross section having an annular channel in its inner surface that is sealed by a thin metal diaphragm to form an annular ink chamber. The piezoelectric transducer is in mechanical engagement with the inner surface of the annular diaphragm, but the ink is electrically insulated from the ceramic. A voltage pulse applied to opposite sides of the disk causes it to expand and eject a droplet of ink from the printing orifice.The ink chamber is shallow and has a ratio of cross section to wetted perimeter or hydraulic radius approximately equal to the diameter of the orifice which quickly damps oscillations resulting from the ejection of each droplet of ink and permitting higher speed operation. The ink chamber is sealed without the use of compliant materials resulting in minimal additional compliance to the liquid.

Abstract: A stress compensated quartz piezoelectric resonator disk. The resonator contains a thin resonant center disk and a thicker integral concentric peripheral support ring. Roughly pie-slice portions of the inner disk are cut away. The remaining bridges between the resonant disk and support ring are positioned and sized in accord with crystallographic theory so that forces applied to the support ring will not change the resonant frequency of the disk.

Abstract: A piezoelectric resonator including a base, two conducting posts which pass through the base and a piezoelectric plate. The plate includes a central active zone which is surrounded by a peripheral zone. The two zones are connected by at least two bridges which define slits which separate the central zone from the peripheral zone. Each face of the central zone is covered with an adherent electrode which extends over one of the bridges to a part of the peripheral zone. Each of the electrodes is connected to one of the conducting posts through a conductive metal ribbon. Each of the metal ribbons bear on the inner part of the peripheral zone so that the ribbon is disposed substantially as an extension of the corresponding posts.

Abstract: The method of making a print head of the type that includes a piezoelectric transducer positioned within a metal housing having an annular channel in its inner surface that is sealed by a thin metal diaphragm to form an annular ink chamber. The transducer is in mechanical engagement with the inner surface of the diaphragm. The sudden removal of a voltage applied to the transducer expands the disk to reduce the volume of the ink chamber, rupture the meniscus, and force a droplet of ink from the printing orifice.The housing is formed with an internal taper which permits a groove to be cut readily either by a casting or by a tool entering from the larger end of the central opening in the housing. An aluminum mandrel is tapered to match the taper on the inner surface of the housing and provided with an annular groove that corresponds to the groove in the housing. The mandrel is plated with nickel that will later form the diaphragm. The housing and mandrel are then plated with indium.

Abstract: An improvement in piezoelectric crystal resonators using lateral excitation whereby energy of vibration trapped in a region between the electrodes is provided by the inclusion of recessed electrodes adjacent a relatively raised piezoelectric region on at least one major face or surface of the crystal. The recessed electrodes oppose one another in either a horizontal or a vertical direction to generate a lateral field in the body of the crystal upon excitation. Additionally, curved edge interfaces are provided between the recessed electrodes and the piezoelectric crystal material to reduce field gradients. Tapered electrodes which have the effect of increasing the energy trapping in the gap between the electrodes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a linear or annular ultrasonics antenna array for the megahertz range, which consists in providing a laminate of alternating layers of unsintered ceramic and spacing layers, the spacing layers being composed of a filler material which is heat fugitive at the sintering temperature of the ceramic, the spacing material also including refractory grains distributed therein of a size which corresponds to the spacing desired between the ceramic layers, sintering the laminate to thereby liberate the filler material and leave voids between the refractory grains, impregnating the resulting laminate with a polymerizable resin to bond the sintered ceramic layers together, and separating the resulting laminate into individual transducer elements.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprising piezoelectric resonators, a matching layer formed on the ultrasonic oscillation surfaces of the resonators, and a backing material adhered on the opposite surface to the ultrasonic oscillation surface, wherein a cylindrical case is fixed to the circumference of the resonators and the backing material is formed by being cast into the case. A method for manufacturing the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the piezoelectric ceramic is temporarily fixed on a metal support and divided into a predetermined shape and a backing material is formed as such that lead wires are allowed to extend through the backing material.

Abstract: A broadband radial vibrator transducer having at least two laminar resonant sections coupled to a radial electromechanical transducer element where each laminar section includes at least two layers. Each resonant section has a mass layer and a compliant member layer where the compliant member layer is fixed between the transducer element and the mass layer. The compliant member allows the resonant section to mechanically resonate along with the transducer element providing at least two resonant frequencies, thereby expanding the bandwidth of the transducer.

Abstract: An axially movable lens holder sleeve has a drive member or members made of piezoelectric material on one or either side thereof with a bias spring member on the opposite side or in sandwiched relation. When a voltage proportional to the required amount of movement of the lens is applied to the drive member, adjustment in position of the lens is controlled.

Abstract: An ink jet head for ejecting drops of ink in an ink jet printing system is designed for easy disassembly for cleaning and can readily be made in different sizes including one capable of ejecting relatively large volume drops of heavily pigmented and relatively viscous ink as may be used for printing outdoor billboards or other large scale graphics. The head also includes a means for reducing the size of or entirely eliminating any blob of ink which may form over the ejection port at low actuating frequencies, thereby making the velocity and other characteristics of the ejected drops more uniform over the full range of operating frequencies.

Abstract: For the contacting and for the fixing of tubular piezoelements or, more particularly, piezotubes, in the recording head of an ink printer, a tube holder, first contact elements, a clamping part into which the tube holder can be snapped, and second contact elements are disclosed. The tube carrier has cut-outs corresponding to the form and position of the piezotubes, into which the first contact elements can be placed. The clamping part has openings, into which the second contact elements are inserted. After the tube carrier has been snapped into place, the first and second contact elements, being held in correct position, are soldered.