Abstract: Magnetostatic devices includes: input and output electrodes for including energy conversion pattern provided in a dielectric substrate; a multi-layer -magnetic substance structure placed at an upper portion of the dielectric substrate, wherein magnetically active thin film is placed at both sides of a magnetically inactive substrate; an upper shield, composed of grounded conductor, for preventing the input and output electrodes from coupling; a lower shield provided at the dielectric substrate, wherein the substrate contain a hole with the same length as the upper shield, and walls of said hole are provided with conductor; a magnetostatic wave end portion, inserted into the dielectric substrate to be placed at both end plane of the multi-layer magnetic structure, for blocking the magnetostatic wave not to reflect therefrom; and a magnetostatic wave reflector, provided in the dielectric substrate as a line whose width vary, for reflecting and selecting a desired pass band before it reaches to the magnetostatic

Abstract: A structure (and method) for tuning a resonant structure, includes a resonant structure including either a predetermined material coating provided on either a bar or a cantilever, or a lightly doped single crystal semiconductor material, and a circuit for providing a variable field adjacent the resonant structure, with the length or at least one of the elastic constants of the resonant structure changing with the application of the variable magnetic or electric field, respectively, thereby to selectively tune the resonant structure.

Abstract: A color coding system and method for visually identifying and distinguishing ultrasonic dental tool inserts. The invention employs a color-coded removable cap that is used to secure a handgrip, which can also be color-coded, to the insert. The caps and/or handgrips of different inserts thus have different colors to visually distinguish one insert or type of insert from another.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, magnetostrictive saw devices are provided with improved transducer structures for enhanced performance. In one improved device, the transducers are in the form of gratings with interconnected ends for reduced resistance and inductance. In another embodiment, the transducers are shaped to provide apodization. In yet a third embodiment, transducer performance is enhanced by patterning composite structures.

Abstract: A super magnetostrictive actuator includes: a magnetic field generating unit, at least first and second super magnetostrictive members extensible in a longitudinal direction thereof due to action of magnetic field generated by the magnetic field generating unit, and a coupling member having a cylindrical shape and disposed coaxially between the first and second super magnetostrictive members. The second super mangetostrictive member has a cylindrical shape and is coaxially disposed to surround the outside of the first super magnetostrictive member in a radial direction thereof. Both end portions of the coupling member are coupled to one end portion of the first super magnetostrictive member and one end portion of the second super magnetostrictive member, respectively.

Abstract: A high power magnetostrictive transducer element comprising a material of the formula TbxDyyHozFe2−w wherein 0.24≦x≦0.28, 0.52≦y≦0.56, 0.13≦z≦0.22, x+y+z=1, and 0≦w≦0.20 and wherein the material is prestressed by a compressive force of from about 5 to about 100 MPa.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a threaded support with first and second collars threadedly engaged with the support. First and second plates are abuttable against the first and second collars, respectively, and the first and second plates have a clearance fit with the respective first and second collars. An expansion device engages the first and second plates. A motor operatively engages the first collar for rotating the first collar. The first and second collars and expansion device are configured such that a load applied to the second plate is alternately supported by one of the first and second collars, depending upon the expansive condition of the expansion device, as the other of the first and second collars is rotated along the threaded support, thereby enabling the second plate to advance along the support against the load by expansion of the expansion device.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator has an active rod deformed under exposure to magnetic bias of a magnetic field that is modified in accordance with variable external input loading transferred through gearing to rotationally displace a segmented magnetic shell relative to a fixed segmented magnetic shell within which the magnetic field is established.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for providing microactuator positional control in a disc drive having a rotatable disc on which a plurality of tracks are defined and an actuator assembly which supports a head adjacent the tracks. An actuator motor is used to provide primary positioning of the head through the controlled application of current to a coil of the actuator motor. A microactuator, opposite the actuator motor coil, has a pair of microactuator coils wound about respective magneto-striction beams so that, in response to drive currents passed through the microactuator coils, a selected one of the magneto-striction beams increases in length and the remaining magneto-striction beam decreases in length. The magneto-striction beams act upon a pivot assembly coupled to the head to displace the head to a final desired position adjacent the disc.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive actuator, comprising: a magnetostrictive member which elongates upon application of a magnetic field; a translating member mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive member, for translating the change in length of the magnetostrictive member into a desired action; and a selectively-energized coil surrounding the magnetostrictive member, to apply a magnetic field to the magnetostrictive member, and thus selectively change the length of the magnetostrictive member, and thereby cause the translating member to create the desired action.

Abstract: A magnetostatic wave device includes a Gd3Ga5O12 substrate off-angled from a {110} plane. A magnetic thin film including a crystal of garnet is formed on the Gd3Ga5O12 substrate by liquid-phase epitaxy. A transducer operates for exciting magnetostatic wave in the magnetic thin film in response to an RF electric signal. A bias magnetic field is applied to the magnetic thin film. There is a relation as 20°≦|&thgr;1+&thgr;2|≦35°, where “&thgr;1” denotes an angle between a longitudinal direction of the transducer and a <001> orientation of the crystal in the magnetic thin film, and “&thgr;2” denotes an angle between a transverse direction of the transducer and a specified direction.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for obtaining shape changes, motion and/or force in a material having a twinned structure. According to the method, a sufficiently high external magnetic field applied to the material reorients the twin structure thereby producing motion/force. The operation is possible if the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy is higher than or comparable to the energy of the reorientation of the twin structure to produce a certain strain.

Abstract: A rotor for an electric motor includes a frame made of a resin and having a cylindrical yoke mounting portion, a base covering one end side of the yoke mounting portion, and a shaft supporting portion located at the center of rotation of the base, all of which are formed integrally with the frame, a rotor yoke mounted on the yoke mounting portion and substantially divided into a plurality of unit yokes, and a plurality of rotor magnets mounted on the yoke mounting portion along the rotor yoke.

Abstract: An improved surface acoustic wave device includes a film of a magnetostrictive material disposed on a substrate and spaced apart input and output transducer elements disposed on the film. The input element causes horizontally polarized shear waves to propagate along the film via the magnetostriction of the film. The shear waves propagating along the film are received by the output transducer element. The SAW device can be integrated on a microelectronic circuit useable in single chip radio frequency applications.

Abstract: Acoustic source, especially for use in seismic studies at sea, with sound emitting surfaces adapted to be put into sound emitting movements toward and away from each other by use of a drive unit in a known manner, in which the sound emitting surfaces comprise two curved plate members essentially symmetrically positioned in relation to the longitudinal axis of the source, forming a convex cross section with their respective upper and lower edges converging towards each other, and the respective upper and lower edges of the sound emitting surfaces are flexibly connected to two corresponding side elements positioned between them, and that the source comprises a rigid frame for supporting the drive unit, comprising at least two rigid slide rods stretching through the side elements, and that rigid covers are mounted on the slide rods, covering at least the whole side elements, thus forming rigid, covering surfaces with a constant distance between the covers.

Abstract: An "inch worm" type linear actuator in which high resolution is achieved by directly moving an actuator armature in small steps using thermal, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or magnetostrictive armature translators. Sequential operation of paired electromagnet clamp assemblies and the armature translator provides a step-wise linear motion. When power is removed, the inventive mechanism prevents further motion of the armature. The preferred embodiment meets these requirements in a compact size having a relative long stroke that is suitable for cryogenic applications, such as moving a segment of a space telescope mirror.

Abstract: An integrated multi-mode transducer for use with a member to control movement of the member. The transducer includes an active element adaptable to engage the member. The active element is changeable from a first shape to a second shape in the presence of an electromagnetic field. Apparatus including a controller is provided for producing an electromagnetic field which extends through at least a portion of the active element to change the shape of the active element and thus exert a force on the member, for sensing movement of the member and for damping movement of the member. A method for using the transducer is provided.

Abstract: A medical ultrasonic generator having an ultrasonic radiator wound with coils connected to a high-frequency oscillator, when the radiator is provided with a sintered element consisting essentially of Ni--Zn having a thickness of 8 to 20 mm. The ferrite element can effectively apply the ultrasonic oscillation to a human body to improve the effect of medical treatment. Further, the medical ultrasonic generator is superior in terms of workability as a medical treatment because of its ability to effectively apply the ultrasonic oscillation to the affected part even through the clothing worn by a patient.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive transducer including a plurality of magnetostrictive laminates each having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends of the laminates include openings. The laminates are arranged in a stacked configuration and bonded together by solder at the first and second ends. At the first and second ends the solder extends through the openings of the laminates forming a solder bar therein. The solder bars bond the laminates together with increased mechanical strength and also provide increased electrical contact between the laminates.

Abstract: To provide a multi-purpose type magnetostrictive device that may be used as an acceleration sensor or a vibration sensor capable of detecting forces acting in more than one direction and which may also be employed as a torque sensor, an actuator, a motor and the like.Coils 110 to 310 of magnetostrictive bodies 10 to 30 are wound around magnetostrictive members 120 to 320 in such a manner that voltages corresponding to enlongation/contraction of the magnetostrictive members 120 to 320 are generated. The magnetostrictive members 120 to 320 are each constrained at the two ends. The magnetic circuits 130 to 330 apply a bias magnetic field to the magnetostrictive members 120 to 320.

Abstract: A structural component having a stiffness which can be actively varied to control vibrations, for example in a helicopter rotor, an aircraft wing or tail, or in a robotic manipulator. The component has at least one recess or notch with opposed walls, which walls, in the absence of any intervening member, tend to move relative to each other when the component is stressed. A stiffness control element is situated in the recess or notch, this element comprising electrically or magnetically expandable material capable of being rapidly expanded from a first condition in which the element is out of contact with one of the walls, to an expanded condition in which the element extends across the recess or notch and transmits forces from one of the walls to the other, thus altering the stiffness of the component. The preferred expandable material is a stack of piezoelectric crystals.

Abstract: In an electric machine (10), in particular a generator or motor, which is accommodated in a machine housing (11) and comprises a stator winding which passes through a stator core (13) and which merges on the end face into an overhang (31) which is mounted in a braced manner in order to absorb dynamic loads, flexible readjustment is achieved by providing, on the overhang mounting, means (20, 21, 29, 30) for retensioning the overhang (31) which are actuable from outside the machine housing (11) and which allow retensioning during operation.

Abstract: System to control the surface profile of the back-up rolls in four-high rolling stands (11) to produce flat products (14), the four-high rolling stand (11) comprising working rolls (12) and back-up rolls, wherein each back-up roll (13) comprises deforming elements (18) consisting of means made of magnetostrictive material (19, 119) on which coils (20, 120) are directly wound and connected with autonomous means of electric supply to generate a magnetic field, the system comprising a control and regulation unit (24), connected with at least means (25) to control the planarity and/or thickness of the rolled product (14) leaving the rolling stand (11), for the controlled activation and feed of each of the coils generating the magnetic field (20, 120). Back-up roll for four-high rolling stands comprising means made of magnetostrictive material to achieve the control system as described above.

Abstract: A displacement device with a first part (1) and a second part (3) which are mutually displaceable in a displacement direction. The first part (1) comprises a number of contact bodies (7) which are pressed against the second part (3) against a pretensioning force which is present between the first part (1) and the second part (3). The contact bodies (7) are movable stepwise relative to the first part (1) and are also displaceable perpendicularly to the displacement direction. A stepwise movement of the contact bodies (7) causes the first part (1) and the second part (3) to be displaced relative to one another in the displacement direction under the influence of a friction force present between the contact bodies (7) and the second part (3), while the first part (1) and the second part (3) are supported in an accurate position relative to one another perpendicular to the displacement direction through a displacement of the contact bodies (7) perpendicular to the displacement direction.

Abstract: A very light, high force reaction-mass actuator using high energy density magnetostrictive material to accelerate a mass, producing a reaction force that can be used to oppose vibration forces. The reaction-mass actuator is configured having an axially symmetric design that features a Terfenol-D rod as a core. Surrounding the rod is a magnetic coil which provides the changing magnetizing field used to actively control magnetostrictive strain of the Terfenol rod. The magnetic coil also provides a magnetic flux based on a D.C. current, for biasing the Terfenol rod. The magnetic coil, disposed about the fixed magnetostrictive rod, is incorporated into a reaction mass assembly that is suspended and sealed inside an enclosed, stiff outer shell or housing by an elastomeric material mounting configuration that facilitates an output force with suppressed harmonic content. In addition, the elastomeric mounting configuration provides sealing protection against external factors.

Abstract: Drive elements whose physical volume is considerably smaller than piezoelectric actuators for comparable mechanical characteristics and actuation travels can be developed on the basis of the magnetostrictive material Tb.sub.x Dy.sub.1-x Fe.sub.2 (Terfenol). Despite these characteristics, magnetostrictive actuators have until now been used only where no rapid switching processes or actuation movements are required. An actuator of compact construction responds to an electrical drive signal very quickly and can produce large actuation forces. The actuator typically contains N.apprxeq.100 drive elements (1, 1') which are arranged one above the other in the form of a stack, are each of layered construction, and are provided with electrical connections. The drive elements (1, 1') each have a small metal plate (4, 4'), which is arranged between two insulators (2, 2', 3, 3'), and an actuator element (5, 5') which is manufactured from Terfenol.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive method and apparatus for propelling an object through a medium wherein one end of a magnetostrictive rod is firmly attached to a housing connected to the object and the other end of the rod is in contact, direct or through a flexible membrane, with the medium. Magnetic field pulses are created by energizing a coil located radially around and proximate to the magnetostrictive rod, said magnetic field pulses causing the rod to rapidly expand and contract longitudinally, in the presence and absence, respectively, of the magnetic field. A plurality of magnetostrictive rods can also be used to propel the object.

Abstract: The present invention is a energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes a rotor and a stator and a hub rotatably positioned about a stationary axial shaft. The hub also includes at least one spoke plane projecting radially from the hub, and the at least one spoke plane contains at least one spoke. The at least one spoke includes an in-plane bending stiffness exceeding an out-of-plane bending stiffness.

Abstract: Provided is an underwater magnetrostrictive vibration device with reduced signal attenuation and improved in efficiency and sound quality, which has been low due to external noise disturbance.

Abstract: The proposed magneto-mechanical converter comprises a magnet system (2) and a core (3) at least one part (34, 36) of which is made of a magneto-strictive material. The magnet system (2) comprises a main magnetic field source (4) which in the example shown can be mounted on the magnetic circuit (21). The main magnetic field source is a permanent magnet (5). The magnet system (2) is mounted in the housing (1) in such a way that it can rotate about the core (3). The geometrical axis (15) of relative rotation of the core (3) and magnet system (2) is oriented in such a way that, during the relative rotation referred to, the magnetic flux in the magneto-strictive parts (34, 36) of the core alters and in turn causes changes in the linear dimensions of the core (3). In the example shown, the magnet system (2) includes an auxiliary magnetic field source (22) in the form of a permanent magnet (5') mounted on the magnetic circuit (33).

Abstract: An engraving head apparatus and method for engraving a gravure cylinder is shown. The engraving head apparatus includes a magnetostrictive actuator formed from a magnetostrictive material such as Tb.sub.1 Dy.sub.1-x. which elongatably drives a diamond-tipped stylus arm in a reciprocal manner in response to a varying magnetic field created by a bias coil and a drive coil. A cryogenic cooling mechanism is used to cool the magnetostrictive actuator when driving the stylus.

Abstract: A linear actuator having a magnetostrictive rod is magnetically energized der analog logic control in operative relation to a pair of electrically disengaged one-way locking devices, one of which is interconnected with the actuator through a stroke multiplier for high force, high speed motor drive. Two stage operation of the stroke multiplier is effected through levers angularly displaced by angular deformation of the magnetostrictive rod about a pivotal axis offset from the rod axis by means of a flexible support for such levers to avoid wear and backlash.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive active member configured to withstanding significant bending moments and having a prestress mechanism that is adjustable for maintaining optimal performance of an integral magnetostrictive element. The magnetostrictive active member includes a magnetostrictive actuator and parallel flexures incorporated in a housing to create a load path for bending moments to be carried by the housing, through the parallel flexures, as opposed to being carried by the magnetostrictive actuator. A plurality of ball-joints are integrated with the flexures and magnetostrictive actuator, receiving compressire forces and ensuring that no moments are applied to the magnetostrictive actuator. A prestress or preload mechanism is incorporated which provides a compressire preload to the magnetostrictive actuator internal to the housing. The preload mechanism includes an adjustable nut than is externally accessible to adjust the preload and facilitate optimal performance of the magnetostrictive actuator.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive material is used to reduce a displacement by a factor of about 1000 to achieve displacements with subnanometer resolution. The range of motion is about 100 .mu.m. In one embodiment, a longitude of a magnetostrictive material is attached end to end to a soft magnetic material of same shape and permeability. A magnet provides a magnetic field of constant intnesity and length along half of the combined longitude. When the magnet is displaced along the combined longitude, the length of the magnetic field inside the magnetostrictive material changes. This change is accompanied by an equal and opposite change in the magnetic material, and therefore, the magnetic circuit remains undisturbed. The result is a linear and hysteresis free change in the expansion or contraction of the magnetostrictive material, and displacement of one of its ends relative to the other.

Abstract: A force and/or motion generating arrangement comprises a body (16) of magnetostrictive material and means (10, 17) for feeding a magnetic flux through said body. Said means (10, 17) comprise a pair of opposite pole surfaces (14), which are located at a short distance from each other, said pole surfaces being connected to a source (17) of said magnetic flux and defining a gap (15) for receiving said body (16) therebetween and being arranged to feed the magnetic flux through said body (16) in a first direction (x), in which said body (16) has small dimensions in relation to its dimensions in at least one other direction (y), which is substantially perpendicular to said first direction and in which the body (16) may be brought to apply a force on and/or impart a motion to another object (19).

Abstract: Polycrystalline or single crystal magnetostrictive alloys of the formula Tb.sub.1-x Dy.sub.x Zn.sub.w (0<x.ltoreq.0.7; 0.90.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.10) and Tb.sub.1-y Gd.sub.y Zn.sub.w (0<y.ltoreq.0.4; 0.90.ltoreq.w.ltoreq.1.10) and magnetostrictive transducer elements made of these alloys.

Abstract: An engraving head apparatus and method for engraving a gravure cylinder. The engraving head apparatus including a magnetostrictive actuator formed from TERFENOL-D.TM. which elongatably drives a diamond-tipped stylus arm in a reciprocal manner in response to a varying magnetic field created by a bias coil and a drive coil. The bias coil establishes a DC biasing magnetic field which causes an initial expansion of the actuator to approximately one-half the total linear expansion limit of the actuator. The drive coil is concentrically interposed between the actuator and the bias coil and modulates the magnetic field intensity established by the bias coil to cause additional expansion and contraction of the actuator about the initial expansion point.

Abstract: Axial elongation of a magnetostrictive element during a power phase of option in a motor, effects conversion of axial force to a torque applied to a rotor through cam discs held in axial engagement by a clutch disc during axial force transfer. Rotor rotation by such torque angularly displaces the cam discs relative to each other against the bias of a spring device during the power phase, followed by a free-wheeling phase during which axial withdrawal of the clutch disc occurs in response to contraction of the magnetostrictive element and angular restoration of the cam discs to a limit position under the spring bias.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: An actuator in which a magnetostrictor is subjected to magnetic fields produced by a superconducting coil, and the magnetostrictor and coil are maintained at temperatures below the magnetic transition temperature of the magnetostrictor and the superconducting temperature of the coil, typically at temperatures in the range of about 4 to about 130 degrees Kelvin. The magnetostrictor is a laminated Terbium Dysprosium (TbDy) alloy structure and the coil includes high temperature superconducting oxide material. The laminations of the TbDy structure are mechanically loaded in compression and each has a thickness substantially equal less than or equal to the depth of field penetration, and a cooler maintains both the TbDy and superconductor at their optimum temperatures.

Abstract: This invention relates to electromechanical actuators, and particularly to actuators utilizing magnetostrictive elements to rotate positioning shafts associated with optical elements.

Abstract: The active elements of magnetostrictive and piezoelectric actuators undergo yclic elongation and contraction in out-of-phase relation to each other when energized by the same electric power supply to exert push/pull forces during four cycle phases of an operational sequence to impart continuous, unidirectional propulsion to a driven member.

Abstract: A shaker with a Terfenol-D rod actuator includes a mass coupled to both ends of the rod through a spring seat, a spring seat/adjuster and a spring washer. The actuator is mounted inside a cylindrical coil, which in turn is mounted inside a cylindrical permanent magnet, which in turn is mounted inside a cylindrical housing. An electrical drive system provides a predetermined excitation signal to the coil to cause the rod to vibrate under the influence of the magnetic field generated by the coil. One embodiment features a vibrating mass on one end of the rod. An implantable shaker includes a seal to leak-proof the shaker and a coating of Biomer.TM.. The implantable shaker can be implanted in an animal to test tissue response to certain vibrations. According to another embodiment, the Terfenol-D rod actuator is held in place on one end with a pre-stress adjusting screw, which is threaded into the end of the housing and fixed in place with a jam nut.

Abstract: Method for producing a magnetostrictive torque sensor shaft and a torque sensor shaft made according to the method. Knurl grooves are formed on the surface of shaft base material in oblique relation to the axis thereof, which are then subjected to heat treatment. Subsequently, material having less crystallomagnetic anisotropy and a large magnetostriction constant is deposited by plating, thermal spraying or otherwise at least on the surface of the knurl grooves included in the outer periphery of the shaft base material thereby to form a magnetostrictive layer. Preferably, the magnetostrictive layer is comprised of an FeNi alloy plated layer whose Fe component content is more than 0% but less than 25%. Thus, a sensor shaft is obtained which can be suitably used in constructing a magnetostrictive torque sensor having high performance characteristics.

Abstract: An engraving head apparatus and method for engraving a gravure cylinder. The engraving head apparatus includes a magnetostrictive actuator formed from TERFENOL-D.TM. which elongatably drives a diamond-tipped stylus arm in a reciprocal manner in response to a varying magnetic field created by a bias coil and a drive coil. The bias coil establishes a DC biasing magnetic field which causes an initial expansion of the actuator to approximately one-half the total linear expansion limit of the actuator. The drive coil is concentrically interposed between the actuator and the bias coil and modulates the magnetic field intensity established by the bias coil to cause additional expansion and contraction of the actuator about the initial expansion point.

Abstract: A movement actuator includes an elongate filament made of a flexible material, and a strip of shape memory alloy disposed on the surface of one side of the filament. The shape memory alloy is responsive to actuation signals, heat or electrical signals, for changing its shape and when its shape changes, it causes the filament to move, i.e., bend, to accommodate the change in shape of the alloy. Also included is a signal supply device for selectively applying heat signals or electrical current to the strip of shape memory alloy to cause the alloy to change its shape and cause the filament to bend. Other patterns for the shape memory alloy could be disposed on the filament to cause other kinds of movements. For example, a helical pattern of the shape memory alloy about the filament would cause the filament to twist when the helical pattern were caused to shorten or lengthen.

Abstract: An edge conditioner for travelling strip means has a tool holder which is biased away from the strip means but is actuable toward the strip by air pressure. The holder may be mounted on an arcuate support where the centre of the arc is the near edge of the strip, to allow variance of approach angles. The tool may be vibrated relative to the tool holder at between 10 and 50 KHz.

Abstract: A transverse field activated magnetostrictive motor including a magnetostrictive member having a direction of motion transverse to its principal orientation axis, and a reaction surface mechanically coupled to the magnetostrictive member. A travelling magnetic field with a field component parallel to the principal orientation axis of the magnetostrictive member is provided and moved sequentially along the magnetostrictive member to sequentially, locally, decouple the member from the reaction surface to move the member in the direction of motion in relation to the surface.

Abstract: Flux leakage resulting from interaction between the static bias flux and variable magnetic flux additively applied to obtain magnetostrictive deformation of an active actuator element, is reduced by bias flux of a separate magnetic field perpendicular to the orientation of the additively applied static bias and variable magnetic flux to improve actuator operation.

Abstract: The invention relates to an elastic clamping device for at least one body with magnetostrictive properties, wherein a pressure force presses the clamping device against the inner magnetostrictive body with a predetermined force. The pressure force extends in the direction of contraction and perpendicular to the direction of expansion both caused by the influence of a magnetic field on the magnetostrictive body and results in a prestress acting in the direction of contraction in the magnetostrictive body. The predetermined pressure from the pressure force exerted on the clamping device and thus on the magnetostrictive body is adjustable by means of a resilient force or mechanical setting device.