Patent ID: 7567011

Claim:
A MEMS linear thermoelectric motor apparatus, comprising: a thermoelectric actuator being operable to move in a first direction when energized by a current and operable to move in an opposite direction when deenergized by removal of said current; actuator device being connected to said thermoelectric actuator for movement by said thermoelectric actuator when it is energized and deenergized, and including at least one set of drive teeth; a slider member having at least a first set of teeth, wherein said at least one set of drive teeth are engaged with said at least a first set of teeth to move said slider when said thermoelectric actuator is one of energized and deenergized, depending upon the direction of said teeth engagement; a spring being connected to said slider to bias said slider to an initial position; and a keeper means comprising a keeper arrangement engageable with said slider to maintain said slider in position against the action of said spring, after said slider is advanced.