Optically controlled transducer
US5085125A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 1990 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 21, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86622
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An optically controlled fluid powered actuator is disclosed and includes a primary fluid valve positioning transducer which responds to optical binary coded control words to position a fluid. The actuator has a pair of opposed stacks of piezoelectric elements with the relative length of the piezoelectric elements in each stack being in the same ratios as the relative weights of bits in the control words. There are two sets of optically actuated electrical switches each responsive to control words to energize corresponding ones of the piezoelectric elements in an associated stack of elements. A first class lever has one end coupled to a controlling portion of a fluid valve and the other end interposed between the stacks of piezoelectric elements so that the lever can translate motion of elements in a piezoelectric stack into fluid valve actuation. A fluid powered electrical generator provides the sole source of electrical energy for the piezoelectric elements. A pair of optical fibers convey the optical binary coded control words in the form of a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal to corresponding ones of the sets of switches.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.