Abstract: A piezoelectric motor comprises a frame having a first frame side and a second frame side; a first actuator assembly and a second actuator assembly. The first actuator assembly comprises a first piezoelectric actuator and two rollers, each of the rollers is pressed between the first piezoelectric actuator and the first frame side. The second actuator assembly comprises a second piezoelectric actuator and two rollers, each of the rollers is pressed between the second piezoelectric actuator and the second frame side. The motor further comprises at least one pre-loaded spring provided between the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly, pushing the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly against the first frame side and the second frame side, respectively.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor comprises a frame having a first frame side and a second frame side; a first actuator assembly and a second actuator assembly. The first actuator assembly comprises a first piezoelectric actuator and two rollers, each of the rollers is pressed between the first piezoelectric actuators and the first frame side the second actuator assembly comprises a second piezoelectric actuator and two rollers, each of the rollers is pressed between the second piezoelectric actuator and the second frame side. The motor further comprises at least one pre-loaded spring provided between the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly, pushing the first actuator assembly and the second actuator assembly against the first frame side and the second frame side, respectively.

Abstract: A transport system for moving and positioning an object comprising: a tube (24) having an axis of rotation and formed with threads (36) on at least a portion of its surface; at least one platform (126) to which the object (116) is mountable having threads that mesh with the threads of the tube; at least one linear guide (130) along which the at least one platform moves freely that prevents rotation of the at least one platform when the tube rotates about its axis of rotation; and a piezoelectric motor controllable to rotate the tube and thereby selectively translate the at least one platform in either direction along the tube's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A transport system for moving and positioning an object comprising: a tube (24) having an axis of rotation and formed with threads (36) on at least a portion of its surface; at least one platform (126) to which the object (116) is mountable having threads that mesh with the threads of the tube; at least one linear guide (130) along which the at least one platform moves freely that prevents rotation of the at least one platform when the tube rotates about its axis of rotation; and a piezoelectric motor controllable to rotate the tube and thereby selectively translate the at least one platform in either direction along the tube's axis of rotation.

Abstract: A camera module has a plurality of lenses aligned along an optic axis that receive and transmit light from a scene being imaged by the camera module. At least one lens is mounted on a platform which is movable along the optic axis and is moved by action of a piezoelectric motor. Optionally, at least one lens is mounted on a second platform which is movable along the optic axis. The second platform may be driven by a second piezoelectric motor or moved by action of the first platform.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor comprising: a piezoelectric vibrator having an axis of symmetry and a first vibration mode, which when excited generates oscillatory motion of mass points in the vibrator parallel to the axis of symmetry; and at least one friction nub having a center of mass displaced from the axis of symmetry, as a result of which displacement, when the vibration mode is excited, torque is generated on the vibrator that excites a second vibration mode of the vibrator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor comprising: a piezoelectric vibrator having an axis of symmetry and a first vibration mode, which when excited generates oscillatory motion of mass points in the vibrator parallel to the axis of symmetry; and at least one friction nub having a center of mass displaced from the axis of symmetry, as a result of which displacement, when the vibration mode is excited, torque is generated on the vibrator that excites a second vibration mode of the vibrator.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor comprising: a layer of piezoelectric material having narrow edge surfaces and first and second large face surfaces, formed with at least three arms, each extending radially outward from a common central region and terminating in an end; and at least one electrode on the first face surface and at least one electrode on the second face surface.

Abstract: An automatic sliding mechanism for a portable electronic product, particularly a mobile phone handset, is disclosed. The mechanism moves a cover relative to a body of the handset using a piezoelectric actuator which drivingly engages an elongated connecting member fixed on the cover to directly drive the cover. Advantages of weight and volume reduction, permitting miniaturization, and also lower noise are attained, as compared with the use of a conventional sliding mechanism employing DC motor with gear-train-like lead screw, bevel gear and clutch system. Construction is relatively simple and high positioning accuracy is possible with the improved mechanism. A counter-bearing arrangement on the body counter-balances a pushing force from the piezoelectric actuator on the connecting member. Stoppers at the respective ends of the connecting member engage limit switches provided on the body to limit the sliding movement of the cover on the body.

Abstract: A video telecommunications device and a camera unit for a video telecommunications device. A camera is mounted on the telecommunications device by a motor capable of rotating the camera on the telecommunications device. A position sensor senses the rotational position of the camera on the telecommunications device, and a position control input device enables provision of a control signal indicating a desired rotational position for the camera on the telecommunications device. A controller that is responsive to the control signal and the sensed position of the camera causes the motor to rotate the camera so as to position the camera in the desired rotational position on the telecommunications device, providing the desired video picture. A telecommunications coupler couples the camera unit to the telecommunications device, enabling the telecommunications device to communicate the image sensed by the camera lens to a receiving telecommunications device.

Abstract: An automatic sliding mechanism for a portable electronic product, particularly a mobile phone handset, is disclosed. The mechanism moves a cover relative to a body of the handset using a piezoelectric actuator which drivingly engages an elongated connecting member fixed on the cover to directly drive the cover. Advantages of weight and volume reduction, permitting miniaturization, and also lower noise are attained, as compared with the use of a conventional sliding mechanism employing DC motor with gear-train-like lead screw, bevel gear and clutch system. Construction is relatively simple and high positioning accuracy is possible with the improved mechanism. A counter-bearing arrangement on the body counter-balances a pushing force from the piezoelectric actuator on the connecting member. Stoppers at the respective ends of the connecting member engage limit switches provided on the body to limit the sliding movement of the cover on the body.

Abstract: A latch for locking a drive arm of a disk drive in a parking position comprising: a latch stop having a baffle moveable between an open position and a closed position; and a piezoelectric motor operable to move the baffle between the open and closed positions. When the drive arm is in the parking position it engages the baffle and is prevented from leaving the parking position when the baffle is in the closed position and is not prevented from leaving the parking position when the baffle is in the open position.