Abstract: A linear motor system includes an element with a threaded passage, a threaded shaft, and a driving system. The threaded shaft has an axis of rotation which extends through and is at least partially engaged with at least a portion of the threaded passage. The driving system comprises at least two members operatively connected to the element. Each of the two members comprises two or more piezoelectric layers and electrodes which are coupled to opposing surfaces of each of the piezoelectric layers. The members are configured to expand and contract in a direction along the axis of rotation. The driving system is configured to subject the element to vibrations causing the threaded shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the direction along the axis of rotation through the element and apply an axial force in the direction along the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A driving system in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a structure and a vibration system. The structure has at least one point to frictional couple to and drive a movable element in one of at least two directions. The structure also has at least two bending modes which each have a different resonant frequency. The vibration system applies two or more vibration signals which are at a vibration frequency to each of the bending modes of the structure. The vibration frequency is substantially the same as one of the resonant frequencies. At the vibration frequency one of the bending modes of the structure is vibrating substantially at resonance and the other of the bending modes of the structure is vibrating at partial resonance. The vibration system adjusts a phase shift between the two or more applied vibration signals to control which one of the at least two directions the moveable element is moved.

Abstract: An optical assembly that contains an optical device movably attached to a apparatus for driving a threaded shaft assembly. The apparatus contains of a threaded shaft with an axis of rotation and, engaged therewith, a threaded nut. The assembly contains a device for subjecting the threaded nut to ultrasonic vibrations and thereby causing said the shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the axial direction.

Abstract: An optical assembly that contains an optical device movably attached to a apparatus for driving a threaded shaft assembly. The apparatus contains of a threaded shaft with an axis of rotation and, engaged therewith, a threaded nut. The assembly contains a device for subjecting the threaded nut to ultrasonic vibrations and thereby causing said the shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the axial direction.

Abstract: An optical assembly that contains an optical device movably attached to a apparatus for driving a threaded shaft assembly. The apparatus contains of a threaded shaft with an axis of rotation and, engaged therewith, a threaded nut. The assembly contains a device for subjecting the threaded nut to ultrasonic vibrations and thereby causing said the shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the axial direction.

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a threaded shaft assembly that contains a threaded shaft with an axis of rotation and, engaged therewith, a threaded nut. Subjecting the threaded nut to ultrasonic vibrations causes the threaded shaft to simultaneously rotate and translate in the axial direction. The threaded shaft is connected to a load that applies an axial force to the threaded shaft.