Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for moving a member including a first clamp assembled to a fixed surface for selectively clamping the member and a second clamp moveable with respect to the first clamp for selectively clamping the member. A piezo actuator is disposed between the first and second clamps for moving the member in response to expansion of the actuator. Resilient means bias the second clamp toward the first clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having at least one pair of opposing surfaces formed on a support structure for movement relative to one another and an actuator operably engaging the support structure for driving the at least one pair of opposing surfaces relative to one another in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a piezoelectric device. The apparatus can be adapted for clamping and/or valving applications.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an application including at least one of clamping and valving. The apparatus includes a support structure and actuator means for operating the support structure between a rest position and an actuated position. In one embodiment, the actuator means is a piezoelectric device and the support structure is a single piece which is a mechanically active element of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having at least one pair of opposing surfaces formed on a support structure for movement relative to one another and an actuator operably engaging the support structure for driving the at least one pair of opposing surfaces relative to one another in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a piezoelectric device. The apparatus can be adapted for clamping and/or valving applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having at least one pair of opposing surfaces formed on a support structure for movement relative to one another and an actuator operably engaging the support structure for driving the at least one pair of opposing surfaces relative to one another in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a piezoelectric device. The apparatus can be adapted for clamping and/or valving applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including the steps of inducing a signal on a string under tension to generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal. The present invention also provides a system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including a string, tensioning means operably attached to one end of the string for tensioning the string, and a processor for driving the tensioning means to induce a signal on the string and generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and for adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in an application including at least one of clamping and valving. The apparatus includes a support structure and actuator means for operating the support structure between a rest position and an actuated position. In one embodiment, the actuator means is a piezoelectric device and the support structure is a single piece which is a mechanically active element of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for moving a member including a first clamp assembled to a fixed surface for selectively clamping the member and a second clamp moveable with respect to the first clamp for selectively clamping the member. A piezo actuator is disposed between the first and second clamps for moving the member in response to expansion of the actuator. Resilient means bias the second clamp toward the first clamp.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including the steps of inducing a signal on a string under tension to generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal. The present invention also provides a system for automatically tuning a stringed instrument including a string, tensioning means operably attached to one end of the string for tensioning the string, and a processor for driving the tensioning means to induce a signal on the string and generate a resonance signal having an amplitude from the string and for adjusting tension of the string in response to the amplitude of the resonance signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus having at least one pair of opposing surfaces formed on a support structure for movement relative to one another and an actuator operably engaging the support structure for driving the at least one pair of opposing surfaces relative to one another in response to an electrical activation of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator is a piezoelectric device. The apparatus can be adapted for clamping and/or valving applications.