Patent ID: 6802220
Filing Date: 2004-10-12
Classification: B06B,B65G,G10K

Abstract:
An apparatus for levitating and transporting an object, wherein the apparatus levitates the object above the surfaces of a plurality of vibrators by air pressure of sound waves that are generated by the vibrators, the apparatus comprising:a plurality of vibration devices, each of which corresponds to one of the vibrators, wherein each vibration device includes a first transducer for vibrating the corresponding vibrator, each first transducer including a super-magnetostrictive material, wherein each first transducer is coupled to one end of the corresponding vibrator, wherein each vibration device further includes a second transducer, each of which is coupled to the other end of one of the vibrators, wherein each second transducer includes a piezoelectric element, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, wherein each of the first and second transducers includes an adjuster for adjusting the impedance of the vibration device, wherein the adjuster includes: a piezoelectric element, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy; and an external impedance element, the impedance of which is variable; and a common power source, which is connected to more than two first transducers for actuating the first transducers simultaneously.