Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080265712 | Energy Harvesting Device Manufactured by Print Forming Processes - Embodiments of making an energy harvesting device are described. In one embodiment, a case and integrated piezoelectric cantilever to harvest vibration energy from an environment being sensed is produced via a print forming method injection molding method. The cantilever device consists of a piezoelectric material member, and a proof mass of high density material coupled to the piezoelectric member. The print forming method is used to build up the base and walls of the device as well as the neutral layers of the piezoelectric member. Metal layers are printed to form the electrode layers of the piezoelectric member and the electrical contact portions of the device. Passive components can also be formed as part of the layers of the device. The entire assembly can be encapsulated in plastic. | 10-30-2008 |
20090085442 | Passive self-tuning resonator system - The invention is a system incorporating a self-tuning resonator and method of self-tuning a resonator within a system. In one embodiment, a method of powering a system with energy harvested from a vibrating surface includes receiving a first mechanical energy at a first driving frequency from the vibrating surface, transferring the received first mechanical energy to a suspended structure within the system, vibrating the suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, passively adjusting the resonant frequency of the suspended structure to a first resonant frequency associated with the first driving frequency by moving a movable mass in response to the movement of the suspended structure, vibrating the adjusted suspended structure with the transferred first mechanical energy, generating electrical energy using the vibrations of the adjusted suspended structure, and powering the system with the generated electrical energy. | 04-02-2009 |
20090278214 | Microelectromechanical Systems Encapsulation Process - An encapsulated MEMS process including a high-temperature anti-stiction coating that is stable under processing steps at temperatures over 450 C is described. The coating is applied after device release but before sealing vents in the encapsulation layer. Alternatively, an anti-stiction coating may be applied to released devices directly before encapsulation. | 11-12-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20100190285 | MICROELETROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS HAVING STORED CHARGE AND METHODS FOR FABRICATING AND USING SAME - Many inventions are disclosed. Some aspects are directed to MEMS, and/or methods for use with and/or for fabricating MEMS, that supply, store, and/or trap charge on a mechanical structure disposed in a chamber. Various structures may be disposed in the chamber and employed in supplying, storing and/or trapping charge on the mechanical structure. In some aspects, a breakable link, a thermionic electron source and/or a movable mechanical structure are employed. The breakable link may comprise a fuse. In one embodiment, the movable mechanical structure is driven to resonate. In some aspects, the electrical charge enables a transducer to convert vibrational energy to electrical energy, which may be used to power circuit(s), device(s) and/or other purpose(s). In some aspects, the electrical charge is employed in changing the resonant frequency of a mechanical structure and/or generating an electrostatic force, which may be repulsive. | 07-29-2010 |
20110033967 | Methods for trapping charge in a microelectromechanical system and microelectromechanical system employing same - Many inventions are disclosed. Some aspects are directed to MEMS, and/or methods for use with and/or for fabricating MEMS, that supply, store, and/or trap charge on a mechanical structure disposed in a chamber. Various structures may be disposed in the chamber and employed in supplying, storing and/or trapping charge on the mechanical structure. In some aspects, a breakable link, a thermionic electron source and/or a movable mechanical structure are employed. The breakable link may comprise a fuse. In one embodiment, the movable mechanical structure is driven to resonate. In some aspects, the electrical charge enables a transducer to convert vibrational energy to electrical energy, which may be used to power circuit(s), device(s) and/or other purpose(s). In some aspects, the electrical charge is employed in changing the resonant frequency of a mechanical structure and/or generating an electrostatic force, which may be repulsive. | 02-10-2011 |
20130106497 | METHODS FOR TRAPPING CHARGE IN A MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM AND MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM EMPLOYING SAME | 05-02-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090264756 | TISSUE THICKNESS AND STRUCTURE MEASUREMENT DEVICE - A device is described that can be easily used to accurately measure and monitor tissue thickness and structure using ultrasound. The device comprises a remote control and data processing unit, a handheld ultrasound transducer with an integrated position sensor. | 10-22-2009 |
20090270728 | SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AND TRACKING HUMAN BODY FAT - A system for evaluating health, wellness and fitness, and in particular, to a system that uses an ultrasound transducer to accurately measure fat thickness at a plurality of sites on the human body, records these measurements for long term monitoring, and based on the plurality of measurements calculates the total body composition. The system includes a central control unit to analyze the measurement and display the results in a variety of formats. | 10-29-2009 |
20120116223 | SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AND TRACKING HUMAN BODY FAT - A system for evaluating health, wellness and fitness, and in particular, to a system that uses an ultrasound transducer to accurately measure fat thickness at a plurality of sites on the human body, records these measurements for long term monitoring, and based on the plurality of measurements calculates the total body composition. The system includes a central control unit to analyze the measurement and display the results in a variety of formats. | 05-10-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080240613 | Digital Microscope Slide Scanning System and Methods - Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots. | 10-02-2008 |
20100226926 | Method of Detection of Fluorescence-Labeled Probes Attached to Diseased Solid Tissue - Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, is a method of treating breast cancer characterized by the amplification of HER2 genes in a subject in need thereof, comprising: (a) isolating a tissue sample comprised of a plurality of breast tumor cells; (b) isolating a first section from said tissue sample; (c) isolating a second section from an adjacent portion of said tissue sample; (d) contacting the first section with a first stain; (e) contacting the second section with a probe; (f) imaging the first section following contact with the stain to produce a first image; (g) analyzing the first image for abnormal microscopic features; (h) identifying areas of interest in the first image that display abnormal microscopic features; (i) electronically annotating the first image to identify the areas of interest; (j) imaging the second section following contact with the probe; (k) aligning the first image and the second image; and (l) analyzing areas of interest in the second image that correspond to an area of interest identified in the first image; wherein the subject is administered an anti-HER2 antibody if HER2 is amplified or providing an alternative treatment if HER2 is not amplified. | 09-09-2010 |
20120076391 | DIGITAL MICROSCOPE SLIDE SCANNING SYSTEM AND METHODS - Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots. | 03-29-2012 |
20120076411 | DIGITAL MICROSCOPE SLIDE SCANNING SYSTEM AND METHODS - Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots. | 03-29-2012 |
20120092481 | DIGITAL MICROSCOPE SLIDE SCANNING SYSTEM AND METHODS - Provided herein are systems methods including a design of a microscope slide scanner for digital pathology applications which provides high quality images and automated batch-mode operation at low cost. The instrument architecture is advantageously based on a convergence of high performance, yet low cost, computing technologies, interfaces and software standards to enable high quality digital microscopy at very low cost. Also provided is a method based in part on a stitching method that allows for dividing an image into a number of overlapping tiles and reconstituting the image with a magnification without substantial loss of accuracy. A scanner is employed in capturing snapshot images. The method allows for overlapping images captured in consecutive snapshots. | 04-19-2012 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120312957 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. | 12-13-2012 |
20140204196 | FOCUS AND IMAGING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES USING ERROR SIGNAL - Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” Best focus may be determined using an error function generated according to movement of a dither focusing lens. The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. | 07-24-2014 |
20150153552 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. | 06-04-2015 |
20150153555 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. | 06-04-2015 |
20150153556 | IMAGING SYSTEM AND TECHNIQUES - Systems and techniques for an optical scanning microscope and/or other appropriate imaging system includes components for scanning and collecting focused images of a tissue sample and/or other object disposed on a slide. The focusing system described herein provides for determining best focus for each snapshot as a snapshot is captured, which may be referred to as “on-the-fly focusing.” The devices and techniques provided herein lead to significant reductions in the time required for forming a digital image of an area in a pathology slide and provide for the creation of high quality digital images of a specimen at high throughput. | 06-04-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110079562 | LIQUID SEPARATION USING RELATIVE MOTION AND FLUID EFFECTS - The embodiments disclosed herein are generally directed to the separation of mixtures of liquids and solids, of liquids and liquids, and/or liquids and solute using a separation medium. The separation medium can be a membrane with a small pore size or a fine mesh. In some embodiments the properties of interactions between the liquid and the medium and/or between components of the mixture are of significance. | 04-07-2011 |
20140231590 | AERIAL DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH MARIONETTES ARTICULATED AND SUPPORTED BY AIRBORNE DEVICES - A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The system further includes a marionette with a body and articulatable appendages attached to the body. The body and appendages are supported with tether lines extending between the marionette and the UAVs. Then, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans to position and articulate the marionette within a display air space. In some embodiments, the UAVs each is a multicopter, and each of the multicopters includes a local controller operating to move the multicopter through a series of way points defined by the flight plan associated with the multicopter. | 08-21-2014 |
20140233099 | AERIAL DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH FLOATING PROJECTION SCREENS - A system for presenting an aerial display over an audience of spectators. The system includes a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and a plurality of flexible projection screens. Each of the screens is supportable in a display air space by the UAVs. The system includes a ground control system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. During operation during a display time period, the UAVs execute the flight plans to move and to position the flexible projection screens within the display air space. The flexible projection screens each may include a mesh body configured to have low wind resistance and to provide a projection surface for reflecting light. The system may include a projector projecting light onto the projection surface of at least one of the flexible projection screens during the display time period. | 08-21-2014 |
20140236388 | AERIAL DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH FLOATING PIXELS - A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of UAVs each including a propulsion device and a display payload, and the system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and memory storing a different flight plan and a set of display controls for the UAVs. Then, wherein, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans through operation of the propulsion devices and operate the display payloads based on the display controls. The display payloads each include a lighting assembly and a light controller. The output light is one of a two or more colored light streams, and each of the display payloads further may include a light diffuser with the output light being directed onto a surface of the light diffuser. The light diffuser may include a light diffusing screen extending about the lighting assembly. | 08-21-2014 |
20140249693 | CONTROLLING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AS A FLOCK TO SYNCHRONIZE FLIGHT IN AERIAL DISPLAYS - A system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back and communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode. | 09-04-2014 |
20140374535 | AERIAL DISPLAY SYSTEM WITH FLOATING PIXELS - A system for performing an aerial display. The system includes a plurality of UAVs each including a propulsion device and a display payload, and the system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and memory storing a different flight plan and a set of display controls for the UAVs. Then, wherein, during a display time period, the UAVs concurrently execute the flight plans through operation of the propulsion devices and operate the display payloads based on the display controls. The display payloads each include a lighting assembly and a light controller. The output light is one of a two or more colored light streams, and each of the display payloads further may include a light diffuser with the output light being directed onto a surface of the light diffuser. The light diffuser may include a light diffusing screen extending about the lighting assembly. | 12-25-2014 |
20150032295 | VISUAL LOCALIZATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES BASED ON MARKER DETECTION AND PROCESSING - A method for locating markers in an image captured by a mobile device moving about an operating space. The method includes preprocessing an image to generate a set of image data, locating fixed features of markers by tracing edges of the fixed features, and extracting variable data payloads of each of the markers associated with the located fixed features. The fixed features of each of the markers may include a pair of parallel lines extending along opposite sides of a data area containing the variable data payload, and each of the lines extends a distance beyond each exposed end of the data area to avoid missing data when markers are not arranged orthogonally to the scan direction. The preprocessing involves rotating or skewing the image to provide rotated or skewed versions of the image to facilitate locating markers regardless of their angular orientation in the image. | 01-29-2015 |
20150269408 | VISUAL LOCALIZATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES BASED ON MARKER DETECTION AND PROCESSING - A method for locating markers in an image captured by a mobile device moving about an operating space. The method includes preprocessing an image to generate a set of image data, locating fixed features of markers by tracing edges of the fixed features, and extracting variable data payloads of each of the markers associated with the located fixed features. The fixed features of each of the markers may include a pair of parallel lines extending along opposite sides of a data area containing the variable data payload, and each of the lines extends a distance beyond each exposed end of the data area to avoid missing data when markers are not arranged orthogonally to the scan direction. The preprocessing involves rotating or skewing the image to provide rotated or skewed versions of the image to facilitate locating markers regardless of their angular orientation in the image. | 09-24-2015 |
20150338855 | CONTROLLING UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES AS A FLOCK TO SYNCHRONIZE FLIGHT IN AERIAL DISPLAYS - A system for flock-based control of a plurality of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system includes UAVs each including a processor executing a local control module and memory accessible by the processor for use by the local control module. The system includes a ground station system with a processor executing a fleet manager module and with memory storing a different flight plan for each of the UAVs. The flight plans are stored on the UAVs, and, during flight operations, each of the local control modules independently controls the corresponding UAV to execute its flight plan without ongoing control from the fleet manager module. The fleet manager module is operable to initiate flight operations by concurrently triggering initiation of the flight plans by the multiple UAVs. Further, the local control modules monitor front and back end communication channels and, when a channel is lost, operate the UAV in a safe mode. | 11-26-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20140300461 | Personal Reminder System and Method of Use - A method of use of a personal reminder system, includes motion detectors and/or touch sensors installable adjacent strategic locations, where activation of the sensors by detection of motion such as door opening, closing, ignition turning, etc. is possible, which activate a audio play/record device (audio, digital, cell phone, etc) to play messages. The reminder device can be portable with low/high range motion sensors, battery operated, plug in, rechargeable, or built into a vehicle utilizing low range motion sensors, touch sensors, push/button switches, switches, and when triggered, the audio device plays the messages, thus serving as a reminder. Messages can be pre-recorded or ones user records. | 10-09-2014 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080273659 | Radiation systems - A radiation system includes a first ring, a radiation source capable of providing radiation suitable for treating a patient, the radiation source secured to the first ring, a second ring located behind the first ring, and an imager secured to the second ring. A radiation system includes a first device having a radiation source capable of generating a radiation beam suitable for treating a patient, and a second device having imaging capability, wherein the first device is oriented at an angle that is less than 180° relative to the second device. A radiation system includes a structure having a first opening, a radiation source rotatably coupled to the structure, an imaging device rotatable relative to the structure, and a processor for controlling a rotation of the radiation source and a rotation of the imaging device, wherein the radiation source is rotatable relative to the imaging device. | 11-06-2008 |
20110313231 | RADIATION SYSTEMS - A radiation system includes a first ring, a radiation source capable of providing radiation suitable for treating a patient, the radiation source secured to the first ring, a second ring located behind the first ring, and an imager secured to the second ring. A radiation system includes a first device having a radiation source capable of generating a radiation beam suitable for treating a patient, and a second device having imaging capability, wherein the first device is oriented at an angle that is less than 180° relative to the second device. A radiation system includes a structure having a first opening, a radiation source rotatably coupled to the structure, an imaging device rotatable relative to the structure, and a processor for controlling a rotation of the radiation source and a rotation of the imaging device, wherein the radiation source is rotatable relative to the imaging device. | 12-22-2011 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090040911 | Cantilever on cantilever structure - In one embodiment, the present invention includes an apparatus having a first cantilever structure to move in a vertical direction, including a first plate formed of a conductive material, an insulation beam adapted on a portion of the first plate, and a second cantilever structure adapted on the insulation beam and including a second plate formed of a conductive material, where an air gap is present between the first and second plates. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-12-2009 |
20120194891 | OPTICAL BEAM CONTROL BASED ON FLEXURE ACTUATION WITH POSITIONING SENSING AND SERVO CONTROL - Implementations of actuators that use flexures to provide support to actuators and pivoting mechanisms to the actuators. Such actuators can be electromagnetically activated actuators that include a magnet stator and a coil rotor mounted on a flexure. A positioning sensor, such as a capacitor sensor, is provided to measure and monitor positioning of the actuator and is coupled to a feedback circuit which uses the measured positioning of the actuator to control the actuator. | 08-02-2012 |
20130020981 | POSITIONING SENSING AND POSITION SERVO CONTROL - Implementations of actuators and capacitor-based position sensors for monitoring and controlling positioning of the actuators are provided, including implementations of actuators that use flexures to provide support to actuators and pivoting mechanisms to the actuators. Such actuators can be electromagnetically activated actuators that include a magnet stator and a coil rotor mounted on a flexure. A positioning sensor, such as a capacitor sensor, is provided to measure and monitor positioning of the actuator and is coupled to a feedback circuit which uses the measured positioning of the actuator to control the actuator. | 01-24-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080232228 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF WRITING AND READING A FERRO-ELECTRIC MEDIA WITH A PROBE TIP - A system for storing information comprises a media including a ferroelectric layer, a tip arrangeable in electrically communicative proximity to the media, and circuitry to detect a polarization signal having a radio frequency. The polarization signal corresponds to changes in polarization of domains of the ferroelectric layer at a relative velocity of movement between the tip and the media, wherein a domain of polarization of the ferroelectric layer is information. | 09-25-2008 |
20080316897 | METHODS OF TREATING A SURFACE OF A FERROELECTRIC MEDIA - A method of forming a passivation layer over a ferroelectric layer of a ferroelectric media comprises introducing the ferroelectric layer to a plasma comprising one of oxygen, oxygen-helium, and oxygen-nitrogen-helium, etching a surface of the ferroelectric layer, forming one of a substantially oxygen enriched layer and a substantially hydroxyl enriched layer at the surface of the ferroelectric layer, introducing the ferroelectric layer to an environment comprising substantially nitrogen, and maintaining the ferroelectric layer within the environment so that nitrogen enriches the substantially oxygen enriched layer to form a passivation layer. | 12-25-2008 |
20080318086 | SURFACE-TREATED FERROELECTRIC MEDIA FOR USE IN SYSTEMS FOR STORING INFORMATION - A system for storing information comprises a media including a ferroelectric layer and a passivation layer formed over the ferroelectric layer, and a tip arranged in approximate contact with the passivation layer. The tip detects a polarization signal that corresponds to changes in polarization of domains of the ferroelectric layer. | 12-25-2008 |
20090168637 | Arrangement and Method to Perform Scanning Readout of Ferroelectric Bit Charges - An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media. The arrangement includes a layer including a ferroelectric media having one or more ferroelectric domains holding bit charges, a domain corresponding to information; a probe having a tip, wherein the media and the tip are adapted to move relative to one another such that the tip scans the ferroelectric domains of the media while applying a contact force to the domains to generate a direct piezoelectric effect within the domains; and circuitry coupled to the tip and adapted to generate a signal in response to an electrical coupling between the tip and the domains while scanning the tip in contact with the domains, the signal corresponding to a readout signal for ferroelectric bit charges stored in the media | 07-02-2009 |
20090201015 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTING FERROELECTRIC POLARIZATION - An information storage device comprises a ferroelectric media and a cantilever including a tip extending from the cantilever toward the ferroelectric media, and a capacitive sensor formed over the cantilever. The tip applies a probe voltage to the ferroelectric media and the capacitive sensor vibrates according to a response of the ferroelectric media to the probe voltage. Circuitry determines a polarization of the ferroelectric media based on the vibration of the capacitive sensor. | 08-13-2009 |
20100100991 | Charge-Amp Based Piezoelectric Charge Microscopy (CPCM) Reading of Ferroelectric Bit Charge Signal - A device to detect polarization of a ferroelectric material comprises a probe tip, a charge amplifier electrically connected with the probe tip to convert a charge coupled to the probe tip from the ferroelectric material into an output voltage. The ferroelectric material is oscillated at a reference signal so that a charge is coupled to the probe tip and converted to an output voltage by the charge amplifier. A lock-in amplifier that receives the reference voltage and applies the reference voltage to the output voltage to extract a signal output representing the polarization. | 04-22-2010 |
20130003521 | ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD TO PERFORM SCANNING READOUT OF FERROELECTRIC BIT CHARGES - An arrangement, a method and a system to read information stored in a layer of ferroelectric media. The arrangement includes a layer including a ferroelectric media having one or more ferroelectric domains holding bit charges, a domain corresponding to information; a probe having a tip, wherein the media and the tip are adapted to move relative to one another such that the tip scans the ferroelectric domains of the media while applying a contact force to the domains to generate a direct piezoelectric effect within the domains; and circuitry coupled to the tip and adapted to generate a signal in response to an electrical coupling between the tip and the domains while scanning the tip in contact with the domains, the signal corresponding to a readout signal for ferroelectric bit charges stored in the media | 01-03-2013 |