In an embodiment a process for producing ozone includes applying an input voltage to an input area of a piezoelectric transformer so that a high voltage is generated in an output area of the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the piezoelectric transformer is operated in a pulsed manner such that phases in which the input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer and phases in which the input voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric transformer alternate at regular intervals and surrounding the piezoelectric transformer with an oxygenic process gas so that the ozone is formed from the process gas by the high voltage generated in the output area.

The present disclosure relates to circuitry for driving a piezoelectric transducer. The circuitry may be implemented as an integrated circuit and comprises driver circuitry configured to supply a drive signal to the piezoelectric transducer to cause the transducer to generate an output signal and active inductor circuitry configured to be coupled with the piezoelectric transducer. The active inductor circuitry may be tuneable to adjust a frequency characteristic of the output signal.

A vibrating element includes a conductive first frame including a first beam portion and a first support portion supporting one end of the first beam portion, a conductive second frame that includes a second beam portion and a second support portion supporting one end of the second beam portion and is disposed separated from the first frame, an oscillating body that is disposed between another end of the first beam portion and another end of the second beam portion and connects the first beam portion and the second beam portion in an insulated state, and a power-consuming member that is installed on the oscillating body and is supplied with power via the first frame and the second frame.

A transformer including a piezoelectric plate and interdigital electrodes is provided. The interdigitated electrodes includes a plurality of conductive strips disposed over the piezoelectric plate. A cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance is excited in a cross sectional plane of the piezoelectric plate in response to input voltage applied through the interdigitated electrode, producing a voltage gain. A device including the aforementioned transformer is also provided.

In an embodiment a process for producing ozone includes applying an input voltage to an input area of a piezoelectric transformer so that a high voltage is generated in an output area of the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the piezoelectric transformer is operated in a pulsed manner such that phases in which the input voltage is applied to the piezoelectric transformer and phases in which the input voltage is not applied to the piezoelectric transformer alternate at regular intervals and surrounding the piezoelectric transformer with an oxygenic process gas so that the ozone is formed from the process gas by the high voltage generated in the output area.

In an embodiment a device includes a first housing in which a piezoelectric transformer is arranged and a second housing in which a control circuit is arranged, the control circuit configured to apply an input voltage to the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the piezoelectric transformer is configured to ionize a process medium, and wherein the device is configured to provide a circulating air operation so that the process medium is guided from the piezoelectric transformer through a catalytic converter and then back to the piezoelectric transformer and generate a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma.

In an embodiment an apparatus for generating ozone includes a piezoelectric transformer having an input area and an output area, wherein the input area is configured to convert an applied AC voltage into a mechanical vibration, and wherein the output area is configured to convert the mechanical vibration into an electrical voltage so that the ozone is generated by the electrical voltage of the output area.

An apparatus and a method for generating a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus for generating a non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma includes a first piezoelectric transformer, a second piezoelectric transformer, and a drive circuit configured to apply an input voltage to each of the piezoelectric transformers, and wherein the input voltage applied to the first transformer is phase-shifted by 90° in relation to the input voltage applied to the second transformer.

A piezoelectric vibration device is provided that includes a piezoelectric transformer, a flexible board and a case. The flexible board includes an element-mounting terminal connected to an outer electrode of the piezoelectric transformer, and an external connection terminal connected to a wiring board. The case has a securing member that secures the case to the wiring board and a ceiling. When the piezoelectric vibration device is mounted on the wiring board, the securing member defines a space between the ceiling and the wiring board to accommodate the piezoelectric transformer and the flexible board. Moreover, the piezoelectric transformer is suspended to the ceiling of the case by a holding member. This configuration provides a piezoelectric vibration device with which degradation of characteristics due to causes such as displacement of the piezoelectric vibrator or fluctuations in the pressing force applied by lead terminals is minimized.

A device for producing a non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma and an active space including such a device are disclosed. In an embodiment a device includes a first housing, in which a piezoelectric transformer is arranged and a second housing, in which a control circuit is arranged, the control circuit configured to apply an input voltage to the piezoelectric transformer, wherein the first housing comprises a coating configured to eradicate irritant gases.