Patent ID: 6675578
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: B81B,F03G,H01H

Abstract:
A planar-motion thermal microelectrical mechanical actuator system, comprising:plural linear-motion thermal microelectrical mechanical actuators positioned on a planar substrate and engaging an elongate member at different positions along its length to move the member relative to the substrate, wherein each of the plural actuators includes: (a) first and second anchors secured to the substrate; (b) plural elongated thermal half-beams that each have a base end secured to the first anchor and a distal end that is positioned between the first and second anchors; (c) plural elongated thermal half-beams that each have a base end secured to the second anchor and a distal end that is positioned between the first and second anchors; and (d) electrical couplings to direct electrical current through the thermal half beams via the anchors to impart thermal expansion of the thermal half-beams and motion of their distal ends to provide actuation of the elongate member.