Conveying apparatus with piezoelectric driver

1. A conveying apparatus for conveying a material which comprises:

an elongated conveying bed which includes a proximal end and a distal end;

a support structure for the conveying bed which accommodates vibratory motion of a portion of the conveying bed extending from the proximal end a substantial distance toward the distal end but dampens vibratory motion of the conveying bed at the distal end; and

a piezoelectric driver which is operatively connected to the conveying bed adjacent the proximal end;

wherein operation of the piezoelectric driver induces a wave motion in the conveying bed which conveys the material from the proximal end to the distal end; and

wherein the piezoelectric driver is operable at a frequency of between about 0 and 20 kilohertz.

2. The conveying apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the piezoelectric driver is operable at an amplitude of between about 0 and 0.002 inch.

3. The conveying apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a static base structure, at least one isolation spring which is positioned between the proximal end and the base structure, and a rigid support member which is positioned between the distal end and the base structure.

4. The conveying apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a static conveying trough which includes a pair of side walls that are positioned adjacent opposite sides of the conveying bed.

5. The conveying apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the conveying trough is supported proximate the distal end of the conveying bed by the rigid support member.

6. The conveying apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the conveying trough is further supported by at least one static support member which is spaced apart from the rigid support member.

7. The conveying apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the conveying bed comprises a generally flat plate.

8. The conveying apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the plate comprises a thickness of at least about 18 gauge.