Patent ID: 7583006
Filing Date: 2009-09-01
Classification: B81B,G02B,H02N

Abstract:
1. An electrostatic actuator, comprising: a base having a two-dimensional array of discrete base pillars upstanding therefrom; and, a stage having a two-dimensional array of discrete stage pillars extending downward therefrom, wherein respective rows of the arrays of upstanding base pillars and downward extending stage pillars are interleaved between each other in an alternating arrangement that enables respective rows of the stage pillars to move in a row direction between adjacent rows of the base pillars and the stage to move relative to the base through a distance greater than at least twice the width of any one of the base or stage pillars in the row direction, and an electrostatic force acting between the stage pillars and the base pillars effects linear, parallel movement of the stage with respect to the base.