Abstract: Provided is an electrostatic-type vibrational energy harvester device that makes it possible to efficiently rectify and charge power from low acceleration to high acceleration of vibrational energy applied from the exterior. The vibrational energy harvester device is provided with: a movable part capable of vibrating in a vibration direction as a result of mechanical vibrational energy, said movable part being provided with a first surface along the vibration direction; and a fixed part provided with a second surface facing the first surface of the movable part with a gap therebetween so that it is possible for the movable part to vibrate in the vibration direction. A plurality of recessed portions and protruding sections are formed in an alternating manner in the vibration direction on the surfaces of each of the first surface of the movable part and the second surface of the fixed part. An electret film is formed on at least one of the fixed part and the movable part.

Abstract: Systems and methods for modified dimensions, configurations, and structure for rotor electrodes and stator electrodes to improve power transfer between such electrodes. Swept-forward, swept-backward, and Yin-Yang shaped electrodes can be used to shift the power response of the motor forwards or backwards in the rotation of the rotor electrode. Modifying the leading edge of the rotor electrode and/or the pitches of the rotor and/or stator electrodes relative to one another may be used to further change various characteristics of the motor, including the power transfer efficiency, the relative locations of the peak overlap between electrodes, and locations of maximum and minimum mechanical strain on the rotors. A curved power feed structure associated with the rotor electrode may be used to distribute the electric charges over a larger area and protect against arcing from the rotor electrode.

Abstract: An electrostatic induction generator includes a housing, a first board fixed to the housing, and a second board arranged in parallel to the first board to be able move relative to it, in which electrostatic induction generator, counter electrodes are placed at a first facing surface of the first board, electrically charged films are placed at every other constant interval at a second facing surface of the second board so as to face the counter electrodes, the counter electrodes are comprised of pluralities of first electrodes and second electrodes provided separated from each other at the first facing surface, first electrodes and second electrodes are alternately arranged at constant intervals in a single line, a plurality of lines of single lines of the first electrodes and second electrodes are provided at the first facing surface, and the constant intervals of the plurality of lines respectively differ in phase.

Abstract: A variable capacitor based electrical generator is described, using a detached conformal electrode that substantially conforms to surface irregularities of the exposed side of the dielectric. The conformal electrode increases the capacitance difference between a contacting state and non-contacting state. Consequently, by displacing the conformal electrode or dielectric, the capacitance can be significantly varied. By pre-charging the electrodes and by providing a displacement power source (wind, vibration, etc), power can be generated and converted into an electrical form. By networking or arranging a plurality of varactors, a significant power generator can be obtained. This system can be operated even at very low frequencies as compared to conventional magnetic generators.

Abstract: A variable gap switch includes a first electrode having a first gap surface; a second electrode having a second gap surface, the second gap surface formed in an initial fluid state that hardens to substantially conform to the first gap surface, the first electrode being moveable with respect to the second electrode; an alignment guide providing substantially parallel and substantially opposed alignment of the first gap surface and the second gap surface; and a displacement mechanism positioned to provide selective movement of the first electrode with respect to the second electrode so that a gap between the electrodes is selectively adjustable.

Abstract: A tunable capacitor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, each being formed of a conductive material. The tunable capacitor further includes a third electrode between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a dielectric material interposed between the first electrode and the third electrode, and between the second electrode and the third electrode. The third electrode is movable relative to the first electrode and the second electrode by a stepper motor, to adjust and tune a capacitance of the tunable capacitor.

Abstract: A variable rotating capacitor or RotCo 5 that can be connected via a transmission line 3 to the dee 2 of a synchrocyclotron 1 so as to adjust a resonant frequency of the synchrocyclotron as a function of time and which comprises a cylindrical rotor 10 and a cylindrical stator 20 that are coaxial with the Z axis. The rotor comprises a plurality of circumferentially-distributed rotor electrodes 11 extending parallel to its rotation axis Z. The stator comprises a plurality of circumferentially-distributed stator electrodes 21 extending parallel to the rotation axis Z. Each stator electrode 21 consists of a single metal plate and all said plates are distributed over one and the same stator circumference 25. This makes it possible for the RF currents in the electrodes to be better distributed and thus reduces the local overheating. The present invention also relates to a synchrocyclotron comprising such a RotCo.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to a power factor adjustor comprising: a power factor measurement unit configured to measure the power factor on an input line to a load and generate a power factor correction signal based on the measured power factor; and a power factor adjustment unit connected to the power factor measurement unit comprising: a fixed capacitor connected in series to a first switching device; and an adjustable element having a variable capacitance connected in parallel to the fixed capacitor and in series to a second switching device, wherein the overall capacitance of the power factor adjustment unit is adjusted by adjusting the capacitance of the adjustable element or by toggling the first and second switching devices in response to the power factor correction signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter.

Abstract: The capacitor module includes a capacitor, in which a screw hole is arranged on an outer bottom wall surface of a capacitor case housing a capacitor element, and a heat dissipater, on which a plurality of capacitor cases are fixated by screwing fixation screws in the screw holes of the capacitors. As a result, for example, the capacitor can be fixated with reliability and durability secured even under a condition where very strong vibration is continuously applied, for example, when the capacitor module is mounted on construction machinery. Further, because, an adherence of the outer bottom wall surface of the capacitor case on a fixation surface of the heat dissipater is strengthened by screwing the fixation screw in the screw hole, the capacitor can be cooled down by transferring heat produced by the capacitor to the heat dissipater as needed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for adjusting the operating gap of two mechanical elements of a substantially planar mechanical structure obtained by micro-etching. The method consists in attributing (A) to one of the elements (E) a fixed reference position (RF) in the direction of the residual gap separating said elements; connecting (C) the other element (OE) to the fixed reference position (RF) by an elastic link (S) and installing (D) between the fixed reference position (RF) and the other element (OE) at least a stop block defining an abutting gap, maximum displacement amplitude of the other element; subjecting (DE) the other element (OE) to a displacement antagonistic to the elastic link (S) up to the abutting position constituting the operating position, the residual gap being reduced to the difference between residual gap and abutting gap and less than the resolution of the micro-etching process. The invention is applicable to electromechanical resonators.

Abstract: A pair of conductors, spaced apart on the same first surface, form stators of a pair of series connected capacitors in combination with a floating moveable conductor disposed on a parallel second surface with a dielectric in the space between first and second surfaces. The floating conductor has sufficient area to occupy the projection of the stators on the second surface. As the moveable conductor is displaced toward one of the stators and away form the other, the capacitance diminishes until the series circuit is interrupted.

Abstract: An accelerometer includes a capacitive sensing device and circuitry. The capacitive sensing device has electrode structures spaced by a gap for relative movement in response to a force applied to the capacitive sensing device to produce a displacement of the electrode structures. A liquid is disposed in the gap between the electrode structures. The circuitry is coupled to the capacitive sensing device for determining from the displacement an electric signal indicative of acceleration of the applied force.

Abstract: A capacitance-type external-force detecting device includes a substrate, a moveable unit which is supported by the substrate via a supporting beam and which can be displaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped fixed electrode provided on the substrate and including a plurality of fixed electrode units spaced in the detecting direction, a comb-shaped moveable electrode provided on the moveable unit and including a plurality of moveable-side electrode units provided between the corresponding fixed electrode units so that the moveable-side electrode units are meshed with the corresponding fixed electrode units, and a capacitance-detecting unit for detecting the displacement amount of the moveable part, at the time when the external force causes the moveable unit to be displaced in the detecting direction, as the variation in the ratio of the overall capacitance between the fixed electrode units and the moveable electrode units and for outputting a voltage signal substantially in proportion thereto.

Abstract: A galvanometer unit includes a limited-rotation motor with a load element such as a mirror attached to a shaft extending from the motor. In a servo loop that controls the angular position of the mirror, a position-sensor attached to the shaft provides position feedback information. The sensor includes a rotor which is positioned at the null point of the fundamental torsional resonance mode of the rotating system, thereby essentially eliminating feedback components resulting from the resonance.

Abstract: A galvanometer unit comprises a limited-rotation motor with a load element such as a mirror attached to a shaft extending from the motor. In a servo loop that controls the angular position of the mirror, a position-sensor attached to the shaft provides position feedback information. The sensor includes a rotor which is positioned at the null point of the fundamental torsional resonance mode of the rotating system, thereby essentially eliminating feedback components resulting from the resonance.

Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a driver member including one metal sheet, a head having a driver groove provided therein, engagement portions engaged with a rotor, and a spring function portion in pressure-contact with the rotor are integral with each other. The spring function portion includes a first plate portion extending from one end of the head, which is bent in the first bending portion, and elongated, passing a center shaft, and a second plate portion extending from the end of the first plate portion, which is bent in the second bending portion, and elongated, passing the center shaft. The second plate portion functions as a pressure-contact portion for the rotor.

Abstract: Determination of the quantity of consumable product present in a reservoir, for example the quantity of ink present in the reservoir of an inkjet printing device. According to the invention, the movable reservoir can be engaged in the dielectric space of a capacitor consisting of two plates, a signal generator applies a signal to the capacitor and the reservoir is moved, a comparator changes state when a threshold is reached and the distance travelled by the reservoir makes it possible to determine the quantity of product situated therein.

Abstract: A variable capacitor has a stator, a rotor, and a cover. The stator includes a stator electrode and a stator terminal connected electrically to the stator electrode. The rotor includes a rotor electrode facing the stator electrode with a dielectric disposed therebetween. The cover is shaped so as to accommodate and hold the rotor so that it can be rotated relative to the stator. An adjustment hole is formed in the cover so as to permit insertion of a tool for rotating the rotor. A spring-action portion is formed around the adjustment hole to thereby press the rotor against the stator. The stator terminal is formed so as not to extend onto a stator surface facing an edge portion of the cover, thereby maintaining a relatively long distance between the stator terminal and the edge portion of the cover and that between the stator terminal and the rotor.

Abstract: An optical position sensor for a vacuum tuning capacitor employs optic fibers that are positioned adjacent a nut associated with the guide shaft. A threaded lead screw is rotated to lift the nut and move the capacitor from a fully-withdrawn home position to a tuning position. A first fiber has its terminus aligned with the terminus of a second fiber to define a gap. A flag or shutter on the nut is positioned in the gap to block the light path between the fibers when the nut is in the home position, but is out of the gap to allow passage of light otherwise. This produces normally on signaling, giving the position sensor a fail-safe capability. The sensor can be incorporated into a cap or cover of the tuning capacitor.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle includes a power unit communicating power between a turbine alternator, flywheel and traction motor. The power unit stores, dc power in capacitors and places power on a dc bus for use in driving the induction machines. The dc bus includes two spaced buses, each of the bus members include a positive plate and a negative plate electrically insulated from one another. A conducting strap member interconnects the first and second bus members. The conducting strap member includes first and second strap plates electrically insulated from one another and secured to one another. A first of the strap plates is connected to the positive plates and a second of the strap plates is connected to the negative plates. Also included is a capacitor bank for storing DC power. The capacitor bank is connected to the DC bus by laminated brackets carrying positive and negative signals.

Abstract: The variable capacitor (1) is characterized by the fact that the safety end switches (6, 7) as well as a displacement detector (10) are integrated in the housing (1) or in an additional housing (5) provided at one of the front ends of the capacitor housing (1). Due to this construction, the entire device becomes more compact and more precise in operation.

Abstract: Mechanically movable microstructure fabricated from a single crystal such as silicon and actuator structures for providing a high degree of controlled, precision motion of nanometer-scale variable impedances.

Abstract: An RF coil for a magnetic resonance imaging device using nuclear magnetic resonance phenomena includes self-tracking ganged coupling capacitors which provide impedance matching and also tune out coil inductance to establish resonance at the RF operating frequency. At least one variable capacitor connected in parallel with the RF coil is mechanically ganged to at least one variable capacitor connected in series to the RF coil. The parallel and series capacitances are initially set to achieve resonance at a desired operating frequency. As the shaft of one variable capacitor is rotated in a first direction through a given angle, the shaft of the other variable capacitor rotates in the opposite direction through the same angle, thereby varying the ratio (but not the sum) of parallel and series capacitances. A servo controller connected to a standing wave ratio detector automatically adjusts the ratio of parallel to series capacitances to optimize impedance matching between the source and the RF coil.

Abstract: A capacitive position sensor for sensing changes in the position of a rotating element, in which there are two sets of stationary capacitive surfaces, one set forming a first integral unit, the other set forming a second integral unit; the two units are held together with the surfaces of each set resting in corresponding spaces in the other unit such that all surfaces of both sets intersect a common radial plane and the surfaces of one set are electrically isolated from the surfaces of the other set.

Abstract: One or both plates of a capacitor, caused to vibrate so as to permit measment of the contact potential between the electrodes, is coated with a sensor material for which the electron work function, and therefore the related contact potential, are sensitive to adsorption of a particular substance to be detected and measured in a gas or liquid to be analyzed. Two different materials may respectively be provided on the fixed and movable electrodes of the capacitor, for example nickel and molybdenum for measurement of ammonia content in air. The gas or liquid to be analyzed is introduced into a chamber in which the sensitized vibrating capacitor is located. Different substances can be detected and measured with the same sensor material if the temperature in the chamber is caused to run up or down through a temperature range and if the substances to be detected affect the sensor work function at different temperatures.

Abstract: The resonance of a piezoelectric vibrating element itself sets the frequency of the excitation producing ac oscillator for e.g. Kelvin probe or chopper applications.The oscillation amplitude is continuously adjustable. The superposition of a dc voltage in addition to the ac excitation voltage renders a continuously adjustment of the mean spacing of the working electrodes. A phase stable reference signal is provided for phase sensitive amplifier synchronization.

Abstract: A cylindrical capacitive tachometer generator having a rotor and a stator, and a cylindrical air gap between facing cylindrical surfaces of the rotor and stator, each provided with equal numbers of teeth uniformly distributed over the circumference and spaced from each other by tooth gaps, the effective capacitive width of a tooth on one cylinder surface being smaller than the effective capacitive width of a tooth or of a tooth gap on the other cylinder surface.

Abstract: A capacitor comprises a resilient strip of magnetic material, such as steel, a strip of non-magnetic material such as brass and a layer of insulation between the two. An end portion of the resilient strip is movable between a position substantially parallel and close to the brass strip and a position as an angle to and spaced further from the brass strip. A magnetic coil or permanent magnet controls the position of the movable end portion of the resilient strip relative to the brass strip to thereby control the capacitance between the two strips.

Abstract: A rotatable capacitor of variable capacitance is utilized to produce modulation of a signal, and demodulation of the signal produces a signal usable for determining the state of rotation of a shaft used for rotating the capacitor.

Abstract: A binary capacitor consists of a piston having a metallized band on its periphery. The piston is movable between first and second positions within a cylinder which carries two spaced metallized bands. One of the positions of the piston defines a position of maximum capacitance, i.e. where the band on the piston overlaps both of the cylinder bands. The second position of the piston defines a position of minimum capacitance; i.e. where the piston band clears at least one of the cylinder bands. The piston is latched in its stable minimum and maximum states by fixed permanent magnets located at the ends of the piston in combination with soft iron slugs at the ends of the cylinder. The piston is moved by appropriately energizing electromagnetic coils wound over the soft iron slugs on the cylinder.

Abstract: A spring member is resin bonded to a piezoelectric material body at one end nd at the other end carries the oscillating electrode of a Kelvin probe capacitor used for electron work function measurement under vacuum. The piezoelectric material body can be either a piezoelectric crystal or a piezoceramic. An alternating voltage causes it to vibrate the spring member at a resonant frequency, so that a still greater amplitude of vibration is produced at the electrode. A superimposed d-c voltage is applied to the piezoelectric material body to set the average spacing between the movable reference electrode and the fixed sample electrode. A polyurethane-based resin provides vacuum-proof bonding. The piezoelectric material body and spring are mounted in a tube providing electrostatic shielding.

Abstract: A motor driven magnetically coupled variable capacitor including a follower magnet arranged internally of the capacitor and fixedly coupled to a rotatable shaft, a follower magnet drive magnetically coupled to the follower magnet for rotating the follower magnet and therefore the rotatalbe shaft, a plurality of stationary capacitive elements fixedly mounted at one end of the capacitor, and a plurality of movable capacitive elements mechanically coupled to the rotatable shaft for axial movement therealong in response to rotation of the rotatable shaft by the follower magnet. The movable capacitive elements coacting with the stationary capacitive elements to vary the capacitance of the capacitor in response to activation of the follower magnet drive.