Patent ID: 7126259

Claim:
An apparatus for amplifying movement of an actuator with a structural assembly capable of providing consistent performance characteristics while operating across a desired range of temperature conditions comprising: a support having a first rigid non-flexing portion with a first coefficient of thermal expansion value and a second rigid non-flexing portion with a second coefficient of thermal expansion value different from the first coefficient of thermal expansion value, the support including at least one pivotable arm portion extending from one of the rigid portions, and a force transfer member operably positionable for driving the at least one pivotable arm portion in rotational movement; and a piezoelectric ceramic multilayer actuator having a third coefficient of thermal expansion value different than the first and second coefficients of thermal expansion values, the actuator operably engagable between one of the rigid portions and the force transfer member to drive the force transfer member relative to the rigid portions causing the at least one pivotable arm portion to pivot in response to an electrical activation of the actuator, wherein the different coefficient of thermal expansion values of the rigid portions in combination with a structural configuration of the support substantially compensate for the third coefficient of thermal expansion value of the actuator over a desired operating range of temperature conditions.