Peristaltic driver apparatus
US5751090A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | May 12, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB82Y15/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A peristaltic driver, also known as an Inchworm.RTM. actuator using stepping, "clamp-extend-clamp", action of a piezoelectric actuator device provides motion in high resolution (steps) of an object, such as a probe of a scanning probe microscope or other optical, electrical and computer elements. The actuator device is an integral body made up of successive pusher and clamping sections. The clamping sections selectively clamp to members which are spaced from each other. An object is moved along a path between the members by being coupled to a pusher section which is disposed in symmetrical relationship with pairs of other pusher sections and pairs of clamping sections. Voltages are applied across the various sections and provide clamping action without transferring net forces in directions along which the object is pushed, thus reducing motion discontinuities each time the clamping sections extend or retract. The members along which the actuator moves are biased to apply a constant spring pre-load against the clamping members thereby compensating for dimensional changes due to thermal expansion or contraction of the actuator and mechanical wear. Tensile stresses on the piezoelectri…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.