the x-y plane, whereas movement normal to the surface is commonly referred to as movement in the z-direction. Movement of the scanning tip by the inchworm motor is either manually controlled or automatically controlled by connecting the motor to a feedback system. Patch Clamping The inchworm motor can be used in patch clamping of biological cells. This technique is most often performed with an optical microscope and a micromanipulator holding a glass pipette. The inchworm motor is particularly ideal in patch clamping because it provides the operator with virtually an instantaneous, precise, smooth and predictable motion without drift. See also Unimorph Bimorph External links Miniature Piezo Stepping Motor Principle Electric motors