Abstract: A solid state motor includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements assembled in a stack. Each element has two opposing planar surfaces. A plurality of electrodes each has a planar section contacting the planar surfaces of two adjacent elements in the stack. A silicone adhesive is adapted to adhere to the piezoelectric elements. A plurality of alumina particles are disposed in the silicone adhesive. A protective housing cylindrically encases the combination of the stack, electrodes, and silicone adhesive.

Abstract: A method for making a piezoelectric stack. The stack includes a plurality of piezoelectric discs interleaved with a plurality of electrodes. Each disc has two opposing surface facets. Each electrode has a thin planar section having two opposing planar surfaces. The planar section is adapted to contact a substantial portion of the surface facets of two adjacent discs. The method includes the steps of cutting a cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic slug into discs. The two opposing surface facets of each disc is formed substantially parallel to one another and have a predetermined surface roughness. The method includes the steps of applying a conductive layer to the surface facets and etching the planar surfaces of the electrodes with an acidic solution. The etching step causes the planar surfaces to achieves a surface roughness similar to that of the predetermined surface roughness of the disc surface facets.

Abstract: A solid state motor includes a plurality of piezoelectric elements assembled in a stack. Each element has two opposing planar surfaces. A plurality of electrodes each has a planar section contacting the planar surfaces of two adjacent elements in the stack. A silicone adhesive is adapted to adhere to the piezoelectric elements A plurality of alumina particles are disposed in the silicone adhesive A protective housing cylindrically encases the combination of the stack, electrodes, and silicone adhesive.

Abstract: A method for making piezoelectric solid state motor stack disks. The method includes the steps of preparing a piezoelectric ceramic powder; preparing a substantially cylindrical piezoelectric ceramic slug from the powder; and cutting the slug with an ID saw into disks of a predetermined thickness. The method further includes pressing the powder in a press at a pressure of between about 1500 psi and 6000 psi and firing the slug at a temperature of between about 1250.degree. C. and 1350.degree. C. for a period of between about 15 min. and 4 hours. The method also comprises the steps of cleaning the ceramic disks after slicing; and applying a conductive layer to a portion of facets of the disks prior to the assembly step.

Abstract: A piezoelectric solid state motor includes first and second solderless connectors for connecting first and second chain electrodes, respectively, to a power supply connector. The first and second chain electrodes are interleaved with a plurality of piezoelectric disks, such that the motor expands in an axial direction when a driving potential is applied to the solderless connectors. Each solderless connector comprises a first planar member formed of an electrically conductive material, for placement in electrical communication with one of the first and second chain electrodes, and a second planar member formed integrally with the first planar member for placement in electrical communication with the power supply connector.

Abstract: An encapsulated piezoelectric solid state motor stack having a plurality of piezoelectric disks interleaved with a plurality of electrodes. A first elastomer is used for encapsulating the stack to prevent arc-over. A second elastomer is used for encasing the combination of the encapsulating elastomer and the stack. An elastomer grease is sandwiched between the encapsulating elastomer and the encasing elastomer for reducing friction between the combination and the encasing elastomer. The friction is induced by an axial displacement produced between first and second end surfaces of the stack when the electrodes are biased by a source of electrical potential. The structure also includes a protective housing including and a diaphragm. The housing cylindrically encases the combination of the stack, the encapsulating elastomer, the elastomer grease and the encasing elastomer, and the and one end thereof. The diaphragm is attached to the housing for encasing the other end of the combination.

Abstract: A slotted bus bar for a piezoelectric solid state motor stack having a housing encasing a plurality of piezoelectric disks which are interleaved with a plurality of electrodes. When the electrodes are connected to the slotted bus bar and the bar is biased by a source of electrical potential, an axial displacement is produced between the opposite end surfaces of the piezoelectric stack. The slotted bus bar has a spine and an attached or integral connector for connecting the slotted bus bar to a source of electrical potential. Also, the slotted bus bar has a plurality of integral ribs extending from the spine, between which are formed slots. When the slotted bus bar is assembled with the piezoelectric stack, the electrode tabs fit into the slots and contact the slotted bus bar. As results, the electrodes are structurally supported and good electrical contact is assured.

Abstract: An integral connector for a piezoelectric solid state motor stack having a plurality of ceramic disks interleaved with electrodes. Lead wires connect the electrodes to a source of electrical potential. A housing, for containing the motor stack, includes a connector body mounted to one end portion of the housing. A plurality of contact pins mounted to the connector body are adapted to be connected to the source of electrical potential. A structure defines a path for guiding the lead wires between the contact pins and the electrodes, wherein the lead wires exit the combination of the ceramic disks and electrodes along first and second parallel longitudinal axes separated by a first distance, and attach to the pins which are located along third and forth parallel longitudinal axes separated by a second distance, wherein the first distance is different from the second distance.