Abstract: A precision positioning stage assembly, comprising a movable stage, a drive screw having it axis parallel to the direction of movement of the stage, a follower threadably engaged with the drive screw, and a linear guide rail for supporting one side of the stage. The linear guide rail has its axis parallel to the direction of movement of the stage. A drive member is secured to the stage which has a pair of oppositely disposed contact surfaces spaced apart a predetermined distance. A torque member is secured to the follower, the torque member having a drive section for placement between the contact surfaces and moving the stage along the guide rail. The drive section and the contact surfaces have a configuration so as to provide substantially point contact therebetween.

Abstract: A laser imaging apparatus, such as a laser scanner or laser printer, includes a gas or diode laser which produces a laser beam and an optical system for directing the laser beam onto a object to be scanned or printed. The laser beam is encompassed in a sealed housing from the laser's output to a point at which the beam is no longer subjected to turbulent environment in order to eliminate laser beam pointing instabilities resulting from a turbulent environment caused by thermal sources, cooling fans, etc.

Abstract: A method of making high energy Nd-Fe-B magnets having a mass less than 30 grams wherein an alloy of said materials having a grain size less than that desired in the finished magnet is first prepared and subsequently hot worked to the desired configuration with increased magnetic properties and density by introducing into a cavity formed by a die and punch a Nd-Fe-B alloy powder having a particle size of from 45 .mu.m to 250 .mu.m and a grain size of from 100 to 1500 angstroms, compressing the powder at a temperature of from about 550.degree. C. to 750.degree. C. under a die-punch pressure of at least 10 kpsi under a vacuum of less than 200 millitorr to achieve a permanent magnet having a remanence of at least 7 kilogauss.

Abstract: Sputtering targets and a method for preparing them by melting the components of a rare earth-transition metal alloy in an inert atmosphere in the inner section of a crucible assembly having inner and outer sections separating by thermally insulating material and cooling the melt in the inner section.