Application: Implantable hearing aids
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Researchers
in Germany are investigating improved
implantable hearing aids using a SQUIGGLE motor. Implantable hearing aids
transmit sound waves mechanically to the ossicular chain using an
electromechancial transducer, resulting in superior amplification and sound
quality compared to classical hearing aids.
A key performance parameter is the applied
initial load of the transducer towards the ossicular chain. Currently
this load is adjusted by the surgeon during implantation using a micrometer
screw, with limited accuracy due to the screw's relatively large linear motion.
Furthermore, no readjustment after the surgery is possible. Therefore hearing
aid performance decreases as the bone tissue grows, causing the initial load
between transducer and ossicular chain to change.
The researchers describe an active
positioning system that would allow the adjustment of the transducer in situ at
any given time, preserving optimal performance. The system technical requirements were
investigated and summarized in a paper presented at Actuator 2008 in June: Autonomous Positioning System for
Implantable Hearing Aids Using Piezo Motors by D. Kaltenbacher and A.
Sch�fer, Fraunhofer Institut f�r Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung (IPA)
in Stuttgart, Germany and J. Rodriguez Jorge, Universit�tsklinikum
T�bingen, T�bingen, Germany.
Visit www.actuator.de to purchase the conference proceedings.
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Application: Ultra-thin autofocus cameras
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This
year, mobile phone makers will manufacture more than 200 million camera-phone handsets
that have a micro actuator for automatic focus (AF). More than 10 million will have
a second micro actuator for optical zoom (OZ).
New
Scale's SQUIGGLE motor meets the long stroke requirements for optical zoom as
well as the precision requirements for autofocus, and is being incorporated
into tiny AF+OZ phone cameras.
Now,
New Scale has developed another ultrasonic piezo motor for of Ultra-Thin Auto
Focus (UTAF) cameras. The a new patent-pending UTAF motor saves space and
height by combining the motor with the linear guide mechanism and enables
overall camera thickness less than 5 mm.
At Actuator 2008, we
presented a paper describing the use of the SQUIGGLE motor for AF+OZ modules,
and the UTAF motor for ultra-thin AF cameras.
Email us for a copy of the UTAF paper, or visit www.actuator.de to
purchase the full conference proceedings.
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New Scale expands global sales force with austriamicrosystems
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New Scale
Technologies has named its strategic partner austriamicrosystems as a global, non-exclusive agent for its
patented SQUIGGLE motors, micro motion systems and other products. The agreement
significantly expands New Scale's global sales reach while enabling austriamicrosystems
to introduce additional innovative products to its customers.
austriamicrosystems has a global sales network with approximately 100 direct sales engineers and field
applications engineers (FAEs) in 19 offices worldwide, spread across Asia,
Europe, the USA
and South Africa.
austriamicrosystems is a leading worldwide designer and
manufacturer of high performance analog ICs for communications, industry, medical
and automotive applications. New Scale develops and manufactures miniature
motion systems including the piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motor, the world's smallest
linear motor. The two companies formed a partnership early in 2008 to create
tiny closed-loop motion systems integrating SQUIGGLE motors with single-chip
motor controllers and position sensor ASICs.
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Fourth SQUIGGLE motor patent issued
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New Scale Technologies has received its fourth U.S.
patent for its miniature piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors. This latest patent
covers unique embodiments of SQUIGGLE motor technology that enable innovative
form factors for micro digital cameras. It delivers significant advantages over
voice coil motors currently used in these systems, and further demonstrates our
team's capability to deliver customized motion module solutions. US patent # 7,339,306 was issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark
Office on March 4, 2008 to inventor David Henderson.
See more patent details on our website.
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New Scale named "Cool Vendor" by leading analyst firm
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New Scale
Technologies has been included in the list of "Cool Vendors" in
the "Cool Vendors in Semiconductors, 2008" report by Gartner, Inc.[1] The
report identifies "innovations that promise to revolutionize electronic
systems: integrated Wi-Fi flash cards, noise suppression technology for mobile
communications, emerging memories, piezo-electric motors and the conversion of
internal semiconductor intellectual property for external licensing."
[1] Gartner, Inc. "Cool
Vendors in Semiconductors, 2008" by Jim Tully et al, April 18, 2008
Read the full news release on our website.
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