Abstract: A device, conveniently in the form of a pistol, comprising a piezo-electric generator connected to a discharge point. Squeezing the trigger of the pistol ejects a stream of positive or negative charge from the discharge point, releasing the trigger causes opposite charge to stream from the discharge point. The pistol is directed against statically-charged surfaces to neutralize the charge thereon.

Abstract: A housing for a piezoelectric crystal comprising an outer shell, preferably formed of nylon, in which are assembled two anvils and a piezoelectric crystal. The outer shell is heated and spun over to retain the anvils and crystals within the housing. Also disclosed is a mount for retaining the housing within a photographic camera and for providing electrical connections to the crystal.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer specifically suited to high temperature sodium applications is described. A piezoelectric active element is joined to the transducer faceplate by coating the faceplate and juxtaposed active element face with wetting agents specifically compatible with the bonding procedure employed to achieve the joint. The opposite face of the active element is fitted with a backing member designed to assure continued electrical continuity during adverse operating conditions which can result in the fracturing of the active element. The fit is achieved employing a spring-loaded electrode operably arranged to electrically couple the internal transducer components, enclosed in a hermetically sealed housing, to accessory components normally employed in transducer applications.Two alternative backing members are taught for assuring electrical continuity. The first employs a resilient, discrete multipoint contact electrode in electrical communication with the active element face.

Abstract: A device for firing an electric detonator which comprises a pressure deformable sealed waterproof housing containing an electric energy source for ignition of a detonator and means responsive to the deformation of the housing for actuating the energy source. The housing preferably comprises a bellows element and the energy source is preferably a piezoelectric element. The device is useful for multiple shot blasting wherein one explosive charge is initiated by the shock wave from a previously exploded charge.

Abstract: A piezoelectric ignition device for spark-igniting a fuel of such burning instruments as cigaret lighters, gas ranges and the like, utilizing a high electric voltage obtained by giving a bending stress in lengthwise direction to an elongated rectangular plate-shaped porcelain piezoelectric element. A plurality of electrodes is formed at least on one of the surfaces of the plate-shaped element along the respective lines parallel to lengthwise both ends and dividing the element lengthwise into "n" divisions, and adjacent divisions are polarized reversely to each other also in the lengthwise direction. A force-to-electricity conversion is made with a piezoelectric constant g.sub.33.

Abstract: An igniter utilizing a piezoelectric transducer intended particularly for lighters is described. It consists of a tubular housing of plastic material. Placed in the bottom of the housing, and loosely fitting therein, are a pair of barium titanate crystals stacked one over the other with a contacting electrode. A striking hammer is suspended above the crystals and held by the magnetic force of a permanent magnet. A spring acting on the hammer is arranged to be compressed by an actuating cap. Upon such compression of the spring which overcomes the retentive force of the magnet, the hammer is propelled against the transducer, thereby creating the generation of an electric potential used to provide an igniting spark. A spring plate placed between the bottom of the housing and the crystals. The spring pressure of the spring plate on the crystals is adjusted by a screw seated in the bottom of the housing.

Abstract: A tuned plate acoustic projector having a tuned plate that has its periph bonded to and supported by a housing. The outer face of the tuned plate is exposed to a fluid medium in which it is desired to generate acoustic waves. One end of a piezoelectric transducer is in contact with the central region of the inner face of the tuned plate and the other end is in contact with a mass slug that has a relatively large inertia base for the transducer. A compressive bias force is applied to the transducer to maintain the transducer in compression and to thereby prevent the generation of excessive tensile stresses in the transducer during operation. The thickness of the tuned plate is selected or tuned so that the propagation velocity of the flexural waves in the tuned plate matches the acoustic propagation velocity of the external fluid medium.

Abstract: Ultrasonic systems for use in consumer, and other applications, having electromechanical motor systems providing bursts of ultrasonic mechanical vibration at an applicator repeated at a sonic frequency to produce both ultrasonic and sonic vibratory motion and effect during use of said applicator.

Abstract: An electrical power source which comprises a body of prestressed glass having a piezoelectric transducer supported on the body in direct mechanical coupling therewith.

Abstract: In a piezo-electric manually-operated spark generating device the actuating mechanism comprises an actuating lever pivoted on the body of the device which accommodates the piezo-electric crystal assembly. It is arranged that in response to pivotal movement of the lever a cam rotates through a small angle between a fixed abutment and a relatively fixed head or pressure pad of the crystal assembly to exert high pressure on the crystal assembly for the generation of sparks. The cam is formed with precision by blanking or stamping from sheet metal so that it does not need to be subsequently machined as in the case of prior cam construction which would increase the cost of the cam. The stamping out or blanking of the cam from sheet metal also enables a roll pin to be formed integrally with the cam instead of being a separate member which is received by a hole in the cam.

Abstract: Apparatus for the ultrasonic cleaning and sterilization of soft contact lenses and fenestrated hard contact lenses at a temperature that is low relative to that of pasturization is disclosed. A transducer element is electrically connected to a source of oscillating current to produce mechanical oscillating motion. A capsule is provided which is adapted to contain a biologically inert solution in which the soft contact lenses are immersed and the capsule is then hermetically sealed but not pressurized. Apparatus is provided for demountably connecting the capsule to the transducer element so that a continuous spanwise mechanical coupling is provided from the transducer to this surface of the capsule. A tuner element may be interposed in the connecting apparatus. The lower surface of the capsule is vibrated at a preselected ultrasonic frequency to induce ultrasonic waves in the solution in the capsule and to heat the solution in a controlled manner to clean and sterilize the soft contact lenses therein.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer capable of use in a high-temperature environment incorporates a laminated metal coupling wedge including a reflecting edge shaped as a double sloping roof and a transducer crystal backed by a laminated metal sound absorber disposed so as to direct sound waves through the coupling wedge and into a work piece, reflections from the interface between the coupling wedge and the work piece passing to the reflecting edge. Preferably the angle of inclination of the two halves of the reflecting edge are different.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer comprising a linear array of piezoelectric elements for converting a single line from a compressional acoustic image field to electrical impulses which, in turn, provide a means for converting the incident compressional image field to a visual representation. In order to match the configuration of the acoustic image field, the array of piezoelectric elements, in a preferred embodiment, has the configuration of an arc, that is, the array is arranged in a straight line in one plane and in an arc in a plane orthogonal to the first. The transducer is made up of a plurality of assemblies each of which is composed of segments of piezoelectric material each held in a supporting slot in a length of metal plate which slot is filled with a material selected to provide impedance matching between the piezoelectric material and the transmission medium.

Abstract: A mosaic printing head for typewriters, data printers, teleprinters and the like, utilizing dot-producing pin-like printing elements for recording characters in the form of a dot pattern upon a data carrier, employing a plurality of dot forming elements, each of which is adapted to be actuated by an elongated, piezoelectric transducer which is subjected to electric fields in rapid succession to effect changes in the length of each transducer and thereby produce driving forces upon the associated element.

Abstract: The electrical power required to drive downhole drilling tools and/or measuring instruments is obtained using means responsive to turbulence in the mud flow past a unit forming part of the drill string. The responsive means may comprise a piezo-electric disc connected to rectifying and smoothing circuits whereby a D.C. output is obtained.

Abstract: An ultrasonic driver transducer employs a piezoelectric element excited by pulsed carrier signals and generates a propagating ultrasonic wave focused in acoustically matched relation by a metal plano-concave lens through a liquid medium for collimated flow into a metal coupler output element and then into the external specimen or element that is to be excited by ultrasonic energy. Means are provided for filling internal cavities of the instrument with a liquid medium for propagating only the desired waves, along with means for purging entrapped gas from that interior medium.

Abstract: A firing mechanism is provided in photographic apparatus for striking a pizoelectric crystal to generate electrical energy. energy. The mechanism includes a firing spring and mount, with the firing spring being assembled and retained between two fulcrum edges in the mount. The firing spring is movable to a latched position and, when released, the firing spring moves to cause a hammer to strike the piezoelectric crystal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric energy source having a piezoelectric transducer mounted in a housing and a movable piston arranged in the housing to bias the transducer to provide a desired electrical output. The piston exerts pressure on the transducer in response to a pyrotechnic charge and is locked in a predetermined biasing position by a locking arrangement such that a constantly effective pressure is exerted on the transducer.

Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter includes a piezoelectric transducer positioned adjacent the closed bottom of a cylindrical housing. A hammer of magnetic material is axially movably guided in the housing toward impact with the transducer. An axially movable actuating member is provided in the top of the housing and the hammer is biased by a compression spring disposed between the actuator and the hammer. The hammer is attracted and held in its rest position by a permanent magnet structure located within the compression spring, and is released and accelerated towards the transducer when the compressive force of the spring, when compressed by the actuator, exceeds the attraction of the permanent magnet during operation of the igniter. A spring between the hammer and transducer returns the hammer to its rest position after impact with the transducer. The hammer may comprise an iron cup filled with lead.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an outboard motor comprising a shaft extending vertically under normal operating conditions and including a hollow interior, a lower housing fixedly connected to the shaft and including a hollow interior, an electric motor mounted in the housing hollow interior and including an output shaft, a propeller driven by the output shaft, a transistor electrically connected to the motor and located in spaced relation axially of the output shaft from the adjacent end of the electric motor, and a thermally conductive agent fixedly bonding the transistor to the housing.

Abstract: A housing and sealing gasket encapsulating an unsealed DC motor for submerged use in water. The motor is held within the housing by means of a sealing composition and a biasing end cap to prevent motor vibrations. The sealing gasket disposed within a bearing cup receives the work shaft of the motor protruding from the housing. A flexible collar of the gasket engages the work shaft and is encircled by a biasing spring to insure effective sealing.

Abstract: A transducer comprising an array of prestressed, mass-loaded, piezoelectr low-frequency, transducer elements set within a housing, a thin alignment plate bonded to the planar radiating faces of the low-frequency transducer array, a pressure-release sheet bonded to the thin alignment plate, and a high frequency, planar, transducer array bonded to this pressure-release sheet. The high frequency transducer array in combination with its two backing layers forms an integral part of the low frequency transducer array during low frequency operation in addition to providing high frequency transmission and reception during high frequency operation. This transducer construction permits high transmitting and receiving sensitivities at widely separated frequencies.

Abstract: An insulating, resilient plug body having a forward portion of reduced diameter is sealingly received in a stepped hole of similar dimensions formed in a submersible housing. A plurality of spaced electrical conductors extend through the sealed interior of the plug. A pregrounding strip is carried on the surface of the forward portion of the plug and extends axially back through the larger rearward portion of the plug body and ends in an integral ground wire terminal behind the plug body. As the plug body is inserted into the hole, the grounding strip is wedged into contact with the wall of the hole, thus making electrical contact with the housing via the wall itself or an electrical terminal on the wall before the power connections are made. The electrical connector is preferably designed for a submersible pump motor, and the inner portion of the hole for the connector is formed through a sealed stator.

Abstract: An ultrasonic nondestructive testing system and a contact-type, ultrasonic search unit for use in connection therewith are disclosed. The ultrasonic search unit includes a transducer crystal for receiving and transmitting ultrasonic energy, a housing in which the crystal is mounted, a dampening backing compound, and a wear-resistant cylindrical member or ring disposed within the housing and in which the crystal is mounted to provide a hard, durable, long-lasting contact face.

Abstract: Mechanism is provided for activating a piezoelectric crystal used to produce a spark at a plug fitted to the cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The mechanism has a striker for delivering current-generating blows to the crystal and this striker is coaxially mounted with respect to a driven shaft of the engine such as the crank shaft or cam shaft. Cam means connects the striker to a rotor which is driven by the shaft through drive means including a one-way clutch. The striker is reciprocated in timed relation to rotation of the driven shaft and can be rotated about its own axis by a device which is operated to vary the timing of the spark in accordance with the speed of the engine.

Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter which has a piezoelectric transducer for converting mechanical into electrical energy. Said transducer is housed at the bottom of a housing of plastics material, which housing is resilient in the axial direction. The transducer cooperates with a hammer which is movable towards the transducer and is actuated by an energy storing spring, which may be compressed and torsioned by pressing on an actuating cap and which comprises a laterally protruding locking pin, co-operating with L-shaped recesses in the housing and with apertures in the actuating cap having a slant cam surface. The resiliency of the plastics housing leads to a greater efficiency of the igniter.

Abstract: A protector for liquid-filled, submersible electric motors is provided. The protector has a resiliently deformable, liquid-filled reservoir which is attached to the housing of the electric motor. The motor liquid and the reservoir liquid are communicated at the attachment. The protector compensates for volume changes of the motor liquid, due to heating or cooling thereof, by expansion or contraction of the deformable reservoir. By compensating for motor liquid volume changes, internal motor parts are protected and isolated from external fluids.

Abstract: Piezoelectric pick-up device for measuring internal overpressure of hollow bodies such as cylindrical pipes. The device has similar parts which present a cavity therebetween with a circular cross section with a circular groove. Within the groove there is disposed an insert composed of four parts, said insert encompassing the hollow body and transmits the deformations of the hollow body due to overpressure therewithin to piezoelectric plates. The four parts of the insert are advantageously made of steel.

Abstract: The invention relates to vibratory devices, and more particularly to tools designed to be vibrated at an ultrasonic rate for vibratory energy transmission.

Abstract: A piezoelectric igniter, especially for lighters, with a striking mechanism comprising a hammer which is movable towards a piezoelectric transducer and which co-operates with an energy storing spring which can be compressed by an actuating member. The striking mechanism has a release means comprising a permanent magnet co-operating with the hammer such that the hammer is held in its rest position by the attractive magnetic forces of the permanent magnet and is released if the energy storing spring has been compressed by the actuating member to such an extent that the spring force exceeds the attractive force of the permanent magnet. The hammer is accelerated by the energy storing spring towards the piezoelectric transducer and impinges on said transducer to generate an electric pulse which is led to a spark gap arranged adjacent a gas discharge valve of the igniter.

Abstract: A cooling arrangement is provided for an electric generator of an underwater power plant contained in a body wherein a coolant is circulated for cooling the generator. The cooling arrangement includes a cowl that covers the end-face of the generator and forms a portion of the body. The outer surface of the cowl is exposed to the turbine water and the inner surface of the cowl defines a path for conducting the coolant therealong for recooling the coolant. A plurality of cooling fins are provided and each of the fins has two end-portions bent toward each other to give the fin a hook-like configuration. Each fin is fixedly mounted to the inner surface of the cowl at one of the end-portions thereof. The fins are short relative to the length of the path.

Abstract: An apparatus employing ultrasonic waves includes an ultrasonic transducer to which a solid buffer rod is attached. The ultrasonic waves are focused by liquid-filled lenses placed between the transducer and buffer rod. The ultrasonic waves are collimated by either employing a buffer rod with a spherical tip or using a plurality of liquid-filled lenses appropriately arranged. The buffer rod may be constructed of polystyrene or aluminum and the liquid-filled lenses may be constructed of glycerin or mercury, respectively. An alternative form of the invention includes a liquid-filled buffer rod and focusing and collimating means of solid materials.