A two-axis beam steering system, using the UTAF2 piezoelectric micro motor technology recently patented by New Scale Technologies, measures only 12x12x5 mm and delivers +/- 12 degrees of tilt with 1 arc minute precision.
Latest patent covers advances in the UTAF Ultra-Thin Actuator Family of miniature piezoelectric motors
New Scale Technologies has been issued its 21st patent for micro motion system technology and applications. US patent 11,050,364, Semi-Resonant Motion Devices and Methods Thereof, was issued to inventors David Henderson, Qin Xu, Danielle Piazza and Eric Walkama on June 29, 2021. It strengthens the company’s claims surrounding its UTAF Ultra-Thin Actuator Family piezoelectric motor (US Patent 7,786,648).
“UTAF2 is a core technology used in our standard M3 line of rotary and linear micro stages with embedded controllers,” said David Henderson, CEO of New Scale Technologies. “We also use UTAF2 technology to develop custom micro motion systems, including two-axis steering mirrors, for leading instrument manufacturers around the world.”
The technology is also licensed for use in auto focus systems for smart phone cameras.
The new patent covers significant improvements in UTAF motors and applications, leading to the UTAF2 designation. These improvements include:
- Twice the output force compared to UTAF.
- Rotary and linear motion configurations with multiple motors working in parallel.
- Design changes to boost manufacturability and reliability.
Growing patent portfolio
In the 19 years since its founding, New Scale has secured 21 US patents and corresponding international patents for piezoelectric motors, drive and control systems, and all-in-one motion solutions with unmatched miniaturization, micrometer-scale resolution and fully integrated electronics. The company applies this technology to develop standard and custom smart motion systems for original equipment manufacturers in optical, medical, scientific, aerospace, defense and other markets.
About New Scale Technologies
New Scale Technologies develops and manufactures the smallest and most precise closed-loop positioning solutions available. Our M3 micro-stages and actuators are all-in-one “smart modules” with built-in controllers: easy to integrate into handheld and portable instruments. We enable smaller, smarter imaging systems, scientific instruments, medical devices, aerospace and defense systems and more. Our customers achieve the fastest time to market with the lowest total cost.
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