Patent ID: 7487701

Claim:
A method for using a dual in-line actuator to machine a work piece, comprising: providing a work piece having a surface to be machined; providing a dual in-line actuator, the actuator comprising: a main body having an aperture with an opening in the main body; a paddle having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a tool tip carrier having a surface for mounting a tool tip; a tool tip mounted on the surface of the tool tip carrier; a first piezoelectric stack attached to first side of the paddle; and a second piezoelectric stack having a first end attached to the second side of the paddle and having a second end, opposite the first end, attached to the tool tip carrier, wherein the first and second piezoelectric stacks, attached via the paddle, are secured and preloaded in the aperture of the main body, and wherein the first piezoelectric stack moves the tool tip carrier in an x-direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the work piece to be machined and the second piezoelectric stack moves the tool tip carrier in the x-direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the work piece independent from the movement of the first piezoelectric stack; and using the actuator to create structures in the surface of the work piece to be machined, wherein the structures are created by the tool tip as controlled by the actuator.