Abstract: There is provided a micro piezoelectric actuator, an optical switching device including the micro piezoelectric actuator and a method for fabricating the same. The optical switching device includes a mirror, a first actuator for adjusting the tilt angle of the mirror on the X axis, a second actuator for adjusting the tilt angles of the mirror and the first actuator on the Y axis and a driving substrate for applying a driving signal to the first and second actuators. Each of the actuators has membranes, a piezoelectric device formed on each of the membranes and a connecting part having two elastic bodies coupled to the membranes and a connecting member coupled between the two elastic bodies. In this way, the optical switching device can tilt the mirror on the X axis independently from the tilting thereof on the Y axis.

Abstract: Drums 56 wind and unwind cables 18 connected to a passenger carriage 14 of an amusement ride 12 in response to winding and unwinding of tethers 48 about an axle 46. The tethers 48 are connected to elastic members 44 that store energy, and a lock 32 is releasable to permit the carriage 14 to travel under the force of the stored energy. The drums 56 have a diameter that is greater than a diameter of the axle, thereby providing a mechanical advantage to launch and accelerate the carriage 14 to a high velocity and/or to provide a dampening effect on the motion of the carriage. Alternative embodiments include ramps with loops, corkscrew sections, and/or inclined sections for carrying the carriage, safety cables strung through attachment members connected to the tethers, and telescopic spring devices with concentric coil springs.

Abstract: A spring motor for selectively rotating a drive shaft. The spring motor includes a spiral power spring for causing an axle to rotate, and a flywheel for being rotated by the axle. The power spring-flywheel combination is capable of providing continuous power to a drive shaft even while the power spring is being rewound or recoiled.