Patent ID: 6933715
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B23K,G01B,G01D,G01K,G01P,G02B,G03F,G05B,G09F,G12B,H01L

Abstract:
1. A system for sensing movement comprising: an elongate object having a first restrained end and a second unrestrained end, the unrestrained end being free to move in at least two degrees of freedom in response to an applied force; an electrically conductive element secured to the elongate object, the electrically conductive element comprising a piezoelectric material configured to produce an electrical potential upon deformation of the material by the applied force, the electrically conductive element configured so that as the elongate object deforms the piezoelectric material deforms, whereby an electrical signal indicative of the magnitude of deformation is produced enabling feedback control of deformation of the elongate object; and sensing circuitry electrically coupled to the electrically conductive element, the sensing circuitry configured to cooperate with the elongate object in producing a signal usable to determine the magnitude and direction of deformation of the elongate object.