Abstract: A piezo-electric actuated valve having an inlet chamber, an outlet chamber, and an end chamber is disclosed. The valve also includes a main poppet disposed within the valve body. The main poppet is configured to be selectively movable between a flow blocking position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of flow passing positions allowing fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet chambers. The valve also includes a pilot valve configured to be selectively movable between a first position substantially blocking a flow of pressurized fluid and a plurality of second positions allowing fluid communication between the end chamber and the one of the inlet and outlet chamber exposed to a pressurized fluid having a lower pressure. The valve further includes a piezo-electric actuator configured to be selectively movable between a de-energized position and an energized position to affect the pilot valve to selectively move to at least one the plurality of second positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling an electric field across a piezoelectric device. A temperature determining device transmits a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the piezoelectric device. A control device receives the temperature signal and a first control signal indicative of a desired displacement of the piezoelectric device. The control device transmits a second control signal to the piezoelectric device as a function of the temperature signal and the control signal. The second control signal creates the electric field across the piezoelectric device, when the temperature of the piezoelectric device is below a predetermined threshold, having a magnitude above a normal operating range for the piezoelectric device.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling an electric field across a piezoelectric device. A temperature determining device transmits a temperature signal indicative of a temperature of the piezoelectric device. A control device receives the temperature signal and a first control signal indicative of a desired displacement of the piezoelectric device. The control device transmits a second control signal to the piezoelectric device as a function of the temperature signal and the control signal. The second control signal creates the electric field across the piezoelectric device, when the temperature of the piezoelectric device is below a predetermined threshold, having a magnitude above a normal operating range for the piezoelectric device.