Patent covers a thinner SQUIGGLE motor and co-axial moving optics module used to create low-profile micro cameras
New Scale Technologies, Inc. received its fourth U.S. patent for its miniature piezoelectric SQUIGGLE motors. This latest patent covers New Scale's SQUIGGLE motor embodiments in two areas:
1. A SQUIGGLE motor design that is a planar instead of a tubular form. This shorter and flatter motor design was created to fit into lower-profile assemblies where height must be minimized.
2. An optical module design that integrates lens assemblies inside hollow threaded shafts in the thin SQUIGGLE motor. The optical and motor centerlines are co-incident and the lens assemblies move axially to create a short, compact focus and zoom optical system. Designs for both rotating and non-rotating optics are described.
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office issued US patent # 7,339,306 to inventor David Henderson on March 4, 2008. It is a continuation-in-part of Henderson's fundamental SQUIGGLE motor patent #6,940,209 issued September 2005.
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"This latest patent covers unique embodiments of SQUIGGLE motor technology that enable innovative form factors for micro digital cameras," states David Henderson, New Scale's founder and co-CEO. "It delivers significant advantages over voice coil motors currently used in these systems, and further demonstrates our team's capability to deliver customized motion module solutions."
New Scale Technologies creates disruptively small motion systems based on our patented piezoelectric SQUIGGLE(r) motor, the world's smallest linear motor. This ultrasonic motor is smaller, more precise, less expensive, more robust and more power-efficient than other micro motors. The company creates complete motion systems integrating SQUIGGLE motor technology with supporting electronics (ASICs) developed in partnership with austriamicrosystems.
New Scale's micro motors and micro-actuator modules enable design engineers to create smaller products including mobile phone cameras, electronic locks and intelligent fasteners, nano-scale fluid control including lab-on-a-chip systems, medical devices including miniature drug pumps and endoscopes, optics and imaging systems, automotive modules, lasers, aerospace and defense systems, cryogenic and MRI-compatible instruments, and consumer electronics including micro fuel cells.
SQUIGGLE is a registered trademark of New Scale Technologies, Inc.