The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 12, 1994
Filed:
Oct. 02, 1992
Jeffrey A Livingston, Wichita, KS (US);
Carl A Kemner, Peoria Heights, IL (US);
Chuong Q Dam, Peoria, IL (US);
Jack R Davis, Peoria Heights, IL (US);
Larry C Clemens, Metamora, IL (US);
Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, IL (US);
Abstract
A testing apparatus determines the piezoelectric properties associated with the performance of a multilayer ceramic actuator. The actuator has a predetermined length, L.sub.1, and a predetermined cross sectional area, A. The actuator includes an axis and a plurality of piezoelectric elements with electrodes interleaved therebetween. The testing apparatus includes a pressure regulator which controllably supplies pressurized air. A pneumatic cylinder receives the pressurized air and responsively applies axial forces to the actuator. A load cell and associated circuitry measures the applied force on the actuator and responsively produces a force signal, F.sub.n. A fiber optic sensor and associated circuitry determines the axial displacement of the actuator and produces a position signal, L.sub.n, in response to the magnitude thereof. A computer receives the force signals, F.sub.n, and the position signals, L.sub.n, and responsively determines the effective modulus of the actuator, Y.sub.eff.