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:
May. 13, 1997
Filed:
Jul. 15, 1994
Dennis L Polla, Brooklyn Park, MN (US);
David J Peichel, Roseville, MN (US);
Arthur G Erdman, New Brighton, MN (US);
John A Costin, Vermilion, OH (US);
Micro Medical Devices, Cleveland, OH (US);
Abstract
A linear actuator device. A first mode of operation uses a single clamping technique whereby a piezoelectric element is slowly expanded, in a way such that a clamping force between that element and its base holds it in place. The piezoelectric element is then contracted in size very quickly, and the inertia created by that action overcomes the clamping force and moves relative to the base. A second mode uses a double clamping technique where first the rear is clamped and the front moved forward then the front is clamped and the rear moved forward. All of these embodiments preferably use semiconductor materials, enabling formation of very thin layers and small devices.