Patent ID: 7765877
Filing Date: 2010-08-03
Classification: F02M,H01L,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of preparing a piezoelectrically actuated device for service comprising the steps of: applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element of a piezoelectric actuator for the piezoelectrically actuated device; sensing an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit that includes the piezoelectric element; generating a signal corresponding to the sensed electrical property; setting a preload on the piezoelectric element in a manner which is responsive to the signal, including determining based upon the signal whether the applied mechanical force is equal to a target preload force for the piezoelectric element; and coupling the piezoelectric actuator with a movable member of a piezoelectrically actuated device, subsequent to setting the preload on the piezoelectric element.