Patent ID: 8729774

Claim:
An actuator apparatus comprising a smart material device, a compensator, a movable supporting member, at least three mechanical webs, at least three actuating arms, and a second stage assembly wherein (a) said mechanical webs comprise a first resilient member attached to said compensator and a second resilient member attached to said movable supporting member (b) said movable supporting member comprises a first mounting surface, (c) said mechanical webs are spaced around said movable supporting member; (d) said smart material device is affixed between said first mounting surface and said compensator; (e) said actuating arms comprise a first actuating arm end attached to one said mechanical web and an opposed second actuating arm end attached to said second stage assembly; and (f) said second stage assembly comprises resilient strips having a first resilient strip end attached to said second actuating arm end and a second resilient strip end attached to a second stage attachment surface wherein application of an electrical potential causes said smart material device to expand, thereby urging said movable supporting member away from said compensator and causing said first and second resilient members to flex, thereby moving said actuating arms and causing said resilient strips to urge said second stage attachment surface in a direction substantially parallel to said smart material device.