Abstract: A microdrive apparatus of a micromanipulator according to the present invention is such that a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element having an inertial member mounted at its tip is attached to a moving member supported on a frictional surface of a support member, and a miniature instrument for manipulation is attached to the moving member. By applying an electric field to the piezoelectric/electrostrictive element, the miniature instrument for manipulation is controlled for fine movement by utilizing this kinetic energy, the inertial effect of the inertial member, and the reaction force acting upon the moving member. In addition, the miniature instrument for manipulation can be controlled to assume a predetermined position and predetermined attitude by a micropositioning device having an articulated portion in which an inertial member is attached to an arm via a piezoelectric/electrostrictive element.

Abstract: A microinjection apparatus according to the invention includes a microsyringe having a plunger, a rotative moving member which rotates together with a shaft, and a micromovement device mounted on the rotative moving member and having a piezoelectric/electro-strictive element equipped with an inertial member. Applying an electric signal to the micromovement device produces a driving force which causes the rotative moving member to rotate by a minute amount. As a result, the plunger is moved a minute amount in the axial direction to move a liquid within the microsyringe. Also provided is a microinjection apparatus which includes a microsyringe having an internal rotary plate serving as a plunger and attached to a center shaft, a rotative moving member which rotates together with the center shaft, and a micromovement device mounted on the rotative moving member and having a piezoelectric/electro-strictive element equipped with an inertial member.