Patent ID: 6040653
Filing Date: 2000-03-21
Classification: H02N

Abstract:
A piezoelectric positioner, comprising:A) a frame;B) a first piezoelectric stack mounted on said frame;C) a second piezoelectric stack mounted on said frame;D) a T-lever defining a yoke having a first side and a second side and a T-lever arm;E) a compression element positioned to hold in compression:1) said first stack between said first side of said yoke and said frame, and2) said second stack between said second side of said yoke and said frame;F) a programmable voltage source programmed to provide elongating voltages alternatingly to said first and said second stacks to cause said stacks to alternatingly expand against compressive forces produced by said compression element so as to cause said yoke to rock back and forth and to cause said T-lever arm to swing back and forth;G) a tool beam flexibly connected to said T-lever arm;H) a tool beam restraint for restraining movement of said tool beam to back and forth motion in a single direction.