Patent ID: 7053525

Claim:
An ultrasonic linear motor comprising: first and second means for providing pressing force; and an ultrasonic transducer including piezoelectric units provided in at least two portions, including: a plurality of first contact portions having portions for receiving the pressing force from the first means, and at least one second contact portion having portions for receiving the pressing force from the second means; wherein voltages which change over time are applied to the piezoelectric units so as to excite the ultrasonic transducer such that elliptic vibrations are generated at least at one contact portion of the first and second contact portions, whereby the ultrasonic transducer is relatively moved as to the first or second means; and wherein contact portions are formed by at least one contact portion of the first and second contact portions for being pressed into contact against the first or second means such that the direction of relative movement between the first or second means and the ultrasonic transducer is restricted so as to move in a predetermined direction orthogonal to the direction of the pressing force.