Abstract: A compact, high capacity pump for pumping fluid. A first one-way valve is between an inlet port and the pump's fluid chamber. A second one-way valve is between the pump's fluid chamber and an outlet port. A diaphragm separates a piezoelectric stack from the fluid chamber. A power source provides power to the piezoelectric stack causing it to expand and contract. The expansion and contraction of the piezoelectric stack causes fluid to be pumped from the inlet port to the fluid chamber through the first one-way valve and causes fluid to be pumped from the fluid chamber to the outlet port through the second one-way valve. In one preferred embodiment, both one-way valves are disc valves. In another preferred embodiment both one-way valves are MEMS valves.

Abstract: A disc drive actuation system for precisely positioning a read/write head over a selected track of a rotatable disc. The actuation system comprises a flexure, a slider, and a read/write head firmly attached to the slider. A first drive unit is used to pivot the flexure to position the read/write head approximately over a selected track. A microactuator is mounted to the flexure and the slider is mounted to the microactuator. The microactuator comprises an inner inactive region, a first outer inactive region, a second outer inactive region, a first piezoelectric section mounted between the first outer inactive region and the inner inactive region, and a second piezoelectric section mounted between the second outer inactive region and the inner inactive region. The inner inactive region is firmly attached to either the flexure or the slider and both of the outer inactive regions are firmly attached to the other of the flexure or the slider.

Abstract: A piezoelectric positioner. First and second piezoelectric stacks are mounted on a rigid frame. A T-lever defining a yoke and a lever arm is disposed so that the yoke overlies the piezoelectric stacks. A compression element is position so as to hold in compression both stacks in-between the frame and the yoke. A programmable voltage source is programmed to provide elongating voltages alternatingly to the first and the second stacks to cause the stacks to alternatingly expand against compressive forces produced by the compression element so as to cause the yoke to rock back and forth and to cause the T-lever arm to swing back and forth. A tool beam is flexibly connected to the T-lever arm. A tool beam restraint restrains movement of the tool beam to back and forth motion in a single direction. In a preferred embodiment a tool is mounted on the tool beam.