A detection apparatus used for detecting an object includes a first platform, a second platform and a plurality of screws. The first platform includes a plurality of first circuit boards that are joggle jointed and combined with each other, at least part of the first circuit boards are electrically connected to each other, and a carrying table for carrying the object to be detected is disposed on the first platform. The second platform includes at least one second circuit board, a detection module being disposed on the second platform for detecting the object, and the detection module is electrically connected to at least a part of the second circuit board. The screws are connected between the first platform and the second platform. The detection apparatus is mainly made by joggle jointing the circuit boards, so that the manufacturing is easy, costs are low, and the detection apparatus is easy to assemble, has small volume and light weight, and is convenient to carry.

Apparatus and method that includes providing a variable-parameter electrical component in a high-field environment and based on an electrical signal, automatically moving a movable portion of the electrical component in relation to another portion of the electrical component to vary at least one of its parameters. In some embodiments, the moving uses a mechanical movement device (e.g., a linear positioner, rotary motor, or pump). In some embodiments of the method, the electrical component has a variable inductance, capacitance, and/or resistance. Some embodiments include using a computer that controls the moving of the movable portion of the electrical component in order to vary an electrical parameter of the electrical component. Some embodiments include using a feedback signal to provide feedback control in order to adjust and/or maintain the electrical parameter. Some embodiments include a non-magnetic positioner connected to an electrical component configured to have its RLC parameters varied by the positioner.

A method is provided of controlling at least two interacting piezoelectric actuators for commonly displacing an object attached thereto. The method comprises the following steps: a. Step A: applying a first cyclic drive voltage signal with a constant frequency to the first piezoelectric actuator, b. Step B: applying a second cyclic drive voltage signal with a constant frequency to said second piezoelectric actuator, whereby the frequencies of the first and second cyclic drive voltage signals are substantially identical and whereby the frequencies of the first and second cyclic drive voltage signals are substantially oppositely phased, and in which at least in a predetermined time period the cyclic drive voltage signals in step A and B are synchronized such that at least one time phase is comprised in which the drive voltage signals of the first and second piezoelectric actuators have both a gradient of decreasing or increasing the respective drive voltage signal having the same sign or one of these gradients is zero and the other is not zero.

An optical element driving mechanism is provided, including a fixed portion, a movable portion, a driving assembly, and a stopping assembly. The movable portion is movably connected to the fixed portion, wherein the movable portion is used for connecting to an optical element having a main axis. The driving assembly is disposed on the fixed portion or the movable portion, and the driving assembly is used for driving the movable portion to move relative to the fixed portion. The stopping assembly is connected to the movable portion and the fixed portion.

A camera includes a camera focus adjustment device, a lens, and an image sensor coupled to the camera focus adjustment device. The camera focus adjustment device includes a flexure structure. The flexure structure includes an outer framework of structural members continuously interconnected by flexure notch hinges. The flexure structure also includes two inner structural members oriented in parallel and extending from the outer framework of structural members. A gap is between the two inner structural members. The camera focus adjustment device also includes a piezoelectric material within the gap and a pair of wedges within the gap. The pair of wedges is affixed to the piezoelectric material and to one inner structural member of the two inner structural members. Based on temperature-based piezoelectric activity associated with the piezoelectric material, the camera focus adjustment device is operable to move the image sensor relative to the lens.

Disclosed is a stage system comprising at least one flexure frame having a fixed center and movable distal ends configured to displace a tabletop operatively connected thereto along at least one axis of movement and at least two actuators comprising a first actuator and a second actuator positioned within the at least one flexure frame. The first actuator is positioned within the at least one flexure frame at a first angle of deflection from at least one beam of the at least one flexure frame and the second actuator is positioned within the at least one flexure frame at a second angle of deflection from the at least one beam. The at least two actuators are configured to produce a compensating displacement to offset yaw error as the at least two actuators expand from a contracted first position to an expanded second position.

A piezoelectric adjustment apparatus has a piezo element whose movement is transmitted via a lever to a plunger. The plunger can be set against an abutment that is arranged at one side of the lever and a second abutment is provided at the other side of the lever.

Apparatus for transmitting motion to a moveable body comprising: a first bar having ends; two articulated arms, each comprising first and second arms connected at a joint having an axis about which the first and second arms rotate, wherein the first arms are of equal length, the second arms are of equal length and the second arm of each articulated arm is connected to a different end of the bar at a joint having an axis about which second arm and bar rotate; a mount connected to the first arm of each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which first arm rotates; a second bar coupled to each articulated arm at a joint having an axis about which the second bar rotates; and a piezoelectric motor coupled to the first bar controllable to apply a force selectively in either direction along the bar's length; wherein, the joints are configured so that all the axes are substantially parallel and the first arms are parallel and the second arms are parallel for all rotations about the axes.

A piezoelectric actuator including an anchor, an elastic layer having a first end coupled to the anchor, and a piezoelectric layer on the elastic layer. The elastic layer includes a solid sublayer including an elastic material and a second sublayer including a plurality of cavities. The piezoelectric layer is on the second sublayer of the elastic layer and includes a top electrode, a bottom electrode, and a piezoelectric material layer between the top electrode and the bottom electrode.

A liquid material is discharged in a flying mode at a high tact by moving a needle (12) at a high speed with a small-sized drive device. A liquid droplet discharge device includes a liquid chamber (51) that is communicated with a discharge opening (60), and that is supplied with the liquid material, a needle (12) having a tip that is advanced and retracted within the liquid chamber, a drive device (2) that operates the needle (12) to advance and retract, and a displacement magnifying mechanism (3), wherein liquid droplets are discharged in a flying mode from the discharge opening (60). Even number of drive devices are disposed in a left-right symmetric relation, and the displacement magnifying mechanism (3) includes an elastically deformable U-shaped member (5, 6, 7, 8, 9) having a bottom portion to which the needle (12) is coupled.