Abstract: A force sensor including an array layer that includes array substrates arranged on an identical plane such that end portions thereof are adjacent to each other, the force sensor includes the array layer having a first surface on which array electrodes are disposed and a second surface opposite to the first surface; a conductive layer layered on the first surface of the array layer; a protection layer layered on the conductive layer; and a counter electrode interposed between the conductive layer and the protection layer, wherein a bonding member which bonds the adjacent array substrates and covers a joint between the adjacent array substrates is provided on the second surface of the array layer, the conductive layer is composed of a single member layered across each of the array substrates, and a sealing portion having a frame shape is provided on an outer circumference side of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A pressure detection sensor according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a first electrode layer including a channel portion configured to output a sensing signal and a wiring portion connected to the channel portion, a first elastic dielectric layer disposed on the first electrode layer, a second electrode layer disposed on the first elastic dielectric layer at a position corresponding to the channel portion, a second elastic dielectric layer disposed on the second electrode layer, and a third electrode layer disposed on the second elastic dielectric layer, wherein, when a pressure is applied to the third electrode layer, capacitances of the first elastic dielectric layer and the second elastic dielectric layer are changed.

Abstract: Deformable electrodes, deformable supercapacitors comprising the deformable electrodes, and electric circuits comprising the supercapacitors are provided. Methods of using the supercapacitors to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy are also provided. The supercapacitors include a liquid electrolyte disposed between two electrodes, at least one of which is reversibly deformable when it is compressed. The liquid electrolyte is infused into the deformable electrode and the supercapacitors are characterized in that the deformation of the deformable electrodes causes the interfacial area between the electrolyte and the deformable electrode to decrease when the electrode is deformed.

Abstract: An assembly according to one example embodiment includes an electrically conductive fastener that includes a head and a shank. The shank extends from an undersurface of the head along a longitudinal axis of the fastener to a distal end of the fastener. A fastening hole is formed by an electrically nonconductive material. At least a portion of the shank of the fastener is installed in the fastening hole. An electrically conductive component is held between the undersurface of the head of the fastener and a surface surrounding an entrance to the fastening hole. An electrically conductive flange extends from the component and contacts an outer portion of the head of the fastener such that an electrical path is formed between the fastener and the component.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a housing having housing sidewalls. A plate may be connected between a pair of the sidewalls. An audio jack may be mounted to the plate. A microphone may be mounted within the device between the audio jack and a given one of the sidewalls. A vibrator may be mounted between one of the sidewalls and the audio jack using a bracket. The vibrator may have a weight that is tapered along its length. A button may be formed in an opening in one of the housing sidewalls. The button may have a button member with a protrusion that extends through a button opening in the sidewall. A support structure may be interposed between a switch and the button member. The switch may have a portion that extends through an opening in the support structure and that is actuated by the button member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of forming an apparatus wherein the apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode arranged to form a parallel plate capacitor; a compressible, transparent dielectric layer provided between the first electrode and the second electrode wherein the dielectric layer has a nanostructure and the dimensions of the nanostructure are such that the dielectric layer is optically transparent.

Abstract: An electronic device may have buttons, a display, and a vibrator unit. Buttons may be included in electronic devices such as glass buttons, metal buttons, buttons that are assembled on printed circuit boards, and buttons that are partly formed from antenna structures. Button coatings may be used to improve the sliding performance of metal-on-metal buttons. A layer of polymer may be interposed between a button plate and a housing structure. A glass button member may have an underside on which a layer of patterned ink is formed. Elastomeric members may be used to reduce button rattle. Portions of a button may be provided with conductive features that form portions of an antenna.

Abstract: A key button mechanism and a portable electronic device using same are provided. The key button mechanism includes a base body, a protective piece and a key button. The protective piece is assembled to the base body and includes two actuating portions. The key button is partially attached to the base body and aligns with the protective piece. The key button includes a key body and two resisting blocks formed on the key body. The two resisting blocks are configured to align with and abut against the corresponding two actuating portions of the protective piece.

Abstract: An apparatus including first and second electrodes separated by an electrolyte, at least one of the first and second electrodes including an actuating substrate configured to undergo reversible deformation during actuation, wherein reversible deformation of the actuating substrate causes a decrease in the internal resistance of the apparatus.

Abstract: A current passing device passes current through bodies. The current passing device includes a first current receiving element having an electrical resistance, a second current receiving element having a contact resistance greater than the electrical resistance of the first current receiving element in a state in which the second current receiving element has been brought into direct contact with the first current receiving element without pressing the second current receiving element, a pressing mechanism arranged to press the first current receiving element and the second current receiving element closer together, and an electrically conductive intervening member disposed between the first current receiving element and the second current receiving element. The intervening member has a degree of deformation greater than degrees of deformation of both the first and second current receiving elements in a case where the intervening member has been pressed due to the pressing mechanism.

Abstract: An operating element having an actuating element disposed on a linear moving carrier element. The actuating element has a plate-like touch panel that is made of an electrically nonconductive material, which cooperates with a switching element, and wherein an electrically conductive sensor element of a capacitative proximity sensor is disposed. The sensor element is disposed on or in the touch panel.

Abstract: A variable capacitor is provided which is appropriate for suppressing fluctuation in driving voltage characteristic and for achieving a larger variation ratio of static capacitance. The variable capacitor includes a fixed electrode and a movable electrode. The fixed electrode includes a first opposing face, while the movable electrode includes a second opposing face that faces the first opposing face. The movable electrode further includes a curved portion that protrudes toward the fixed electrode. The variable capacitor also includes a dielectric pattern provided on the first opposing face.

Abstract: A two-terminal, variable capacitance device is described that is constructed by connecting multiple MEMS devices having different actuation or “pull in” voltages in parallel.

Abstract: The semiconductor photoelectrode of the present invention includes a metallic substrate having irregularities in a surface and a semiconductor layer which is formed on the surface of the metallic substrate and composed of a photocatalytic material. This can increase the light absorption efficiency and, furthermore, prevent recombination of charges.

Abstract: In a capacitive sensor, a sensing electrode is positively charged, the sensing electrode and a sensing capacitor are charge-balanced, the sensing electrode is negatively charged, and then the sensing electrode and the sensing capacitor are again charge-balanced. The sensing electrode is positively and negatively charged in the same period when the capacitive sensor is sensed. So, the invention can not only effectively improve the high-frequency external interference but also effectively resist the interference when an external direct current electrical field approaches.

Abstract: Electrical devices having tunable capacitance are provided. The tunable capacitance is achieved by placing an appropriate material between substrate layers and by controllably applying a pressure to the material to compress the material or alter the shape of a well in which the material is contained, and thereby alter the capacitance of the electrical device. The composition, shape and dimension of the embedded materials determine how the capacitance of the electrical device is altered upon compression of the embedded material in response to an applied control signal. Generally, as the embedded material is compressed, the material will become more dense and the capacitance of the integrated electrical device is altered.

Abstract: A method is provided of continuously varying the capacitance of a MEMS varactor having a cantilever assembly mounted on a base portion, the cantilever assembly having a first capacitance plate and a dielectric element mounted thereon, and the base portion having a second capacitance plate mounted thereon. The method includes applying a first actuation voltage to deform the cantilever assembly until the dielectric element contacts the second capacitance plate leaving a gap therebetween, and applying a second actuation voltage larger than the first actuation voltage to further deform the cantilever assembly to reduce the gap between the dielectric element and the second capacitance plate.

Abstract: A capacitive load cell includes upper and lower capacitor plates and an intermediate dielectric comprising two or more layers of compressible material with diverse compressibility characteristics. The most easily compressed dielectric layer provides sensitivity to low occupant weight, while the less easily compressed dielectric layer(s) provide sensitivity to medium and high occupant weight.

Abstract: Capacitors (10,20,40,50,70,80) having a fluid dielectric material that is transported or undergoes a phase change are disclosed. The dielectric medium change results in a change in the total dielectric constant of the material between the electrodes (12, 14, 72, 74, 81, 82), thus changing the capacitance of the capacitors. Transporting or phase changing the dielectric fluids into and out of a the electric field of the capacitor, changes the effective dielectric constant and the capacitance of the capacitor.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer of multi-layer construction includes two rotor plates supported by flexible springs, the plates being spaced apart and rigidly connected by a stem. One rotor plate my be used as either a pickup electrode or a grounded target electrode for determining position, displacement, or load force. The second rotor plate may be used for electrostatic actuation without interfering with or destroying circuitry associated with the first rotor plate. A number of improvements are disclosed including a hollow rotor plate structure for reduced moving mass, buckling resistant features for the springs, improved spring anchor joint design for reduced creep and hysteresis, and material selection and matching for reduced thermal sensitivity.

Abstract: A variable capacitor includes a stator and a rotor rotatably supported by a cover relative to the stator. The stator includes a first stator electrode of two or more layers and a second stator electrode of two or more layers in the interior of a dielectric substrate. The first stator electrode is connected to a first external electrode and the second stator electrode is connected to a second external electrode. The rotor includes a rotor electrode of two pieces opposing the stator electrodes, and capacitances are defined in the areas of overlap of the rotor electrode and stator electrodes. The capacitances are adjustable to extremely small levels.

Abstract: A tunable element in the microwave frequency range is described that may include one or more tunable elements that are directly digitally controlled by a digital bus connecting a digital control circuit to each controlled element. In particular, each digital signal is filtered by a digital isolation technique so that the signal reaches the tunable elements with very low noise. The low noise digital signals are then converted to analog control voltages. The direct D/A conversion is accomplished by a special D/A converter which is manufactured as an integral part of a substrate. This D/A converter in accordance with the invention may consist of a resistor ladder or a directly digitally controlled capacitor. The direct digitally controlled capacitor may be a cantilevered type capacitor having multiple separate electrodes or sub-plates representing binary bits that may be used to control the capacitor.

Abstract: An ultra miniature high temperature capacitive inductive pressure transducer is fabricated by MEMS techniques. The transducer consists of two separated pieces of silicon which form the plates of the capacitor, one of which plate is micromachined in such a way to allow a controlled deflection with pressure. The gap between the two capacitive plates is determined by an extending rim on one of the two plates. The two pieces of silicon are subsequently fusion bonded, leading a very small gap between the two plates. An inductor is formed on the top surface of one of the pieces of silicon by sputtering metal in a spiral like fashion on the back side of the non-micromachined plate.

Abstract: A varactor includes a first capacitor plate, a second capacitor plate, at least one fixed charge holder, and a control electrode. The second capacitor plate is spaced from and movable towards and away from the first capacitor plate. At least one fixed charge holder with an imbedded charge is on at least a portion of the second capacitor plate. The control electrode is spaced from the second capacitor plate. Applying a bias to the control electrode moves the second capacitor plate towards or away from the first capacitor plate depending on the polarity of the applied bias.

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 microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tunable capacitor having low loss and a corresponding high Q is provided. The tunable capacitor includes a first substrate having a first capacitor plate disposed thereon. A fixed pivot structure is disposed on the first surface of the first substrate, proximate the first capacitor plate. The fixed pivot structure as a point of attachment for a flexible membrane that extends outward from the fixed pivot and generally overlies the first capacitor plate. A second substrate is attached to the underside of the flexible membrane and a second capacitor plate is disposed thereon such that the first and second capacitor plates face one another in a spaced apart relationship. A MEMS actuator is operably in contact with the flexible membrane for the purpose of providing an actuation force to the flexible membrane, thereby varying the capacitance between the first and second capacitor plates.

Abstract: A capacitive force sensor which has a plurality of layers forming a force sensing detector, the detector providing a signal in response to pressure, feedback output in response to the signal from the force sensing detector and a housing for encompassing the force sensing detector and the feedback providing element. The housing can be a squeeze ball, squeeze cylinder, a hitting target, a baseball or golf glove or can be implemented as part of an actual grip, such as for a golf club.

Abstract: A capacitive switch assembly includes an elastomeric sheet actuator for elastically supporting a switching member above a capacitive element comprised of a pair of conductive plates and a dielectric sheet. The elastomeric sheet supports the switching member so that upon user actuation to compress the elastomeric sheet, the switching member is directed to engage the capacitive element and selectively compress to effectively form a variable capacitor. Resilient deformation of the switching member can further vary the capacitance of the capacitor in an electrically detectable manner.

Abstract: This invention concerns a sensitive key device with capacitive effect working through an electrically insulating plate, the key being supported by a printed circuit board. According to the invention, the bottom of a single part having a spring blade made of an electrically conducting material is fixed to the printed circuit board. The top (11) of this part forms a detection surface designed to be placed in contact with the transparent plate. The center of the part makes the part flexible such that the detection surface is in elastic contact with the plate, regardless of parallelism defects between this plate and the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A capacitive biofeedback sensor including a polyurethane dielectric sandwiched between two wire mesh or carbon impregnated silicone rubber conductors. The sensor is placed within a patient's shoe, boot, ankle, brace, crutch, hand grip, wheelchair, etc., and provides biofeedback to help patients relearn function or prevent complications that impede function.

Abstract: A mechanical capacitor includes a fixed electrode, a movable electrode separated from the fixed electrode by a gap, a spring attached to the movable electrode suspending it above the fixed electrode, opposing the fixed electrode and an insulator formed over either the fixed or the movable electrode in between the two electrodes. The movable electrode, the gap, the insulator and the fixed electrode form a mechanical capacitor. The capacitance of the mechanical capacitor is changed by applying a control voltage between the movable and the fixed electrodes. When a control voltage across the mechanical capacitor is increased, the movable electrode moves closer to the fixed electrode, which causes the mechanical capacitor capacitance to increase. When the control voltage across the mechanical capacitor is decreased, the movable electrode is moved farther away from the fixed electrode by the operation of the spring.

Abstract: A capacitance mat for use in measuring loads includes a number of substantially horizontal electrode plates (of high strength aluminum) forming a capacitor with a substantially rigid dielectric material (e.g. nylon or fiberglass) separator disposed between the stacked substantially parallel electrode plates. The separators define spaces at which at least one of the electrode plates may bend in response to an applied load, to move with respect to each other, causing the capacitance of the mat to change. The separators may comprise a number of substantially parallel elongated strips of substantially rigid dielectric material spaced from each other in a dimension transverse to the dimension of elongation to define the spaces.

Abstract: a capacitive biofeedback sensor including a polyurethane dielectric sandwiched between two wire mesh or carbon impregnated silicone rubber conductors. The sensor is placed within a patient's shoe, boot, ankle, brace, crutch, hand rip, wheelchair, etc., and provides biofeedback to help patients relearn function or prevent complications that impede function.

Abstract: A modular fax machine including a document feeder for feeding documents to a scanner, a control panel for operator input of selectable fax machine parameters, a drawer for supporting the document feeder and the control panel, and a housing for extensibly and retractably supporting the drawer.

Abstract: An object to be protected is placed on a compressible pad having upper and lower conductive plates, separated by a compressible dielectric. A sensing device is connected to the upper and lower plates to sense a first capacitance when the upper plate is compressed by presence of the object, and a change in capacitance when the object is removed so as to permit the dielectric layer to expand and change the capacitance. There is a time delay circuitry and other circuitry to alleviate the possibility of false alarms.

Abstract: A novel capacitive pressure-sensitive sensing technique and apparatus wherein an elastomeric conductive electrode carrying a two-dimensional array of projections is pressure-deformed against a fixed coextensive cooperative electrode to generate signals, such as tones and sounds in the application to musical instruments, or visual representations, corresponding to the dynamic pressures applied over the two-dimensional surface. A novel drum-like and other musical instruments embodying such novel capacitive sensing techniques and the like are described.

Abstract: A capacitive measuring assembly for determining forces and/or pressures includes at least three plane parallel capacitor surfaces with intercalation of a dielectric therebetween. The capacitor surfaces being movable relative to each other against elastic resetting forces of the dielectric, a main surface being in opposing relation to all remaining surfaces and partly covering them with intercalation of the dielectric therebetween. The main surface being movable both perpendicular and parallel relative to the remaining surfaces so that from the individual capacity values between the main and remaining surfaces, there can be measured or eliminated both the forces that act perpendicularly between the main and remaining surfaces and the forces that act parallel with the capacitor surfaces.

Abstract: A variable gap device which comprises a suitable material with a cavity formed therein mounted over a body. Elements are formed on the surface of the body and on the top surface of the cavity. In one embodiment, the elements are electrodes of a variable capacitance device, and in another embodiment the elements are partial or total reflectors of incident light from an optical fiber. The surface of the cavity opposite the body is preferably flat and of the order of microns from the body.The device is fabricated by forming a removable layer over a temporary substrate. An appropriate element pattern is formed over the removable layer and the layer is etched in a configuration which will define the cavity. The deformable material is encapsulated over this structure and then removed from the substrate with the element remaining in the cavity. Any removable material remaining in the cavity can then be etched away.

Abstract: A capacitor arrangement which is especially suited for use in an electronically tunable narrow band tuned cavity filter includes two capacitor plate portions which are juxtaposed one another to form a capacitor. One of the capacitor plate portions may be provided with a recess and with an internally threaded bore which opens into the recess, and an externally threaded trimmer slug may be received in the bore and extend to a greater or lesser degree into the recess and thus to contribute to a greater or lesser degree to the total capacitance of the capacitor. A dielectric spacer may be interposed between the capacitor plate portions to determine the size of the gap therebetween and to maintain the gap size constant.

Abstract: A capacitor type displacement or load sensor includes a first electrode constituted by an electrically conductive coiled spring capable of expansion and contraction and a second electrode positioned to face the first electrode without making contact therewith. The second electrode is constituted by an electrically conductive coiled spring or a cylindrical electric conductor. The sensor is constructed such that capacitance between the first and second electrodes varies with a change of a gap between the first and second electrodes or an opposing area of the first and second electrodes caused by the relative displacement occurring therebetween.

Abstract: An apnea monitor having a capacitance type transducer pad providing a signal indicative of respiration. The resilient dielectric material between the capacitor plates is formed in two layers with the upper layer having a lesser spring constant to make the pad more sensitive around the periphery of the body to respond to respiratory motion while rejecting cardiovascular motion. The transduced signal is monitored and its gain is automatically adjusted to compensate for long term instability by a gain-set circuit arrangement having a time delay to assure that changes in the signal are not caused by apnea. A control voltage generated by the circuit operates the alarm without excessive time delay and is also used to provide a gain-set voltage for adjustment of the signal gain.

Abstract: A trimmer capacitor includes two spaced electrodes having a dielectric layer therebetween. One of the electrodes includes a resilient central portion formed into a bulbous shape and engaged by a pressing plate threadedly receiving a screw shaft. The screw shaft may be rotated to move the pressing plate axially to vary the distance between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A weight scale includes a capacitive force load cell for linearly transducing force into electrical capacity. A C-shaped spring supports two capacitor plates adjacent the distal ends of the arms with the surfaces of the plates being normally parallel. Weight is transmitted from the platform of the scale to a pin which acts to separate the arms against the spring force. The plates are shaped, preferably triangularly, so that the change in capacitance as they separate is linear. The load cell is connected in circuit with an oscillator so that the change in capacitance is directly proportional to change in frequency as a measure of the weight of the load on the scale's platform.

Abstract: A device comprises for sensing or measuring loads, especially transient loads, such as a load imposed by a wheel of a vehicle driving over the device. The device comprises two electrically conductive plates and an intermediate dielectric and elastomeric or elastic material. In a central plane of the dielectric material a series of threads of steel wire is embedded. Said threads are connected together electrically at one end. At least two spaced capacitor electrodes are constituted by one plate and said threads. The dielectric and elastomeric material is adapted to be engaged by the load and the variation in the capacitance is linearly proportional to the magnitude of the applied load. The two plates are pressed towards each other in order to cause a mechanical preloading of the intermediate material in order to give said linear proportionality.

Abstract: A variable gap device which comprises a suitable material with a cavity formed therein mounted over a body. Elements are formed on the surface of the body and on the top surface of the cavity. In one embodiment, the elements are electrodes of a variable capacitance device, and in another embodiment the elements are partial or total reflectors of incident light from an optical fiber. The surface of the cavity opposite the body is preferably flat and of the order of microns from the body.The device is fabricated by forming a removable layer over a temporary substrate. An appropriate element pattern is formed over the removable layer and the layer is etched in a configuration which will define the cavity. The deformable material is encapsulated over this structure and then removed from the substrate with the element remaining in the cavity. Any removable material remaining in the cavity can then be etched away.