Abstract: Stator position feedback controller. A first position monitoring device responds to the position of a stator supported for relative motion by a machine base. A second position monitoring device responds to the position of a carriage with respect to the machine base. An actuator is provided to move the carriage through interaction with the stator. A servo controller responds to the difference in the output of the first and second position monitoring devices to control the position of the carriage with respect to the machine base.

Abstract: Reaction force transfer system includes a frame and a machine base supported by the frame through passive isolation structure. A carriage is supported for motion with respect to the machine base and a motor is provided having a stator coupled to the frame and a forcer coupled to the carriage to move the carriage with respect to the machine base.

Abstract: Reaction force transfer system includes a frame and a machine base supported by the frame through passive isolation structure. A carriage is supported for motion with respect to the machine base and a motor is provided having a stator coupled to the frame and a forcer coupled to the carriage to move the carriage with respect to the machine base.

Abstract: Spin stand platform. The platform includes an air bearing puck forming a micropositioning stage. The puck is constrained for two dimensional motion on a surface. The micropositioning stage supports a read head element under test. At least one actuator moves the puck to a desired location on the surface and apparatus is provided for removing air from the air bearing puck to lock down the puck to the surface at the desired location. It is preferred that the air bearings be vacuum preloaded and that linear motors be used to move the puck.

Abstract: Spin stand platform having split axes. The platform includes an air bearing spindle stage supporting a test disk and constrained for motion in a plane on a surface along a first axis. A micropositioning stage air bearing is provided which is constrained for motion in the plane on the surface along a second axis orthogonal to the first axis and the micropositioning stage is adapted to support a read head element under test. First and second acuators move the stages to desired locations. At the desired location, apparatus removes air from the air bearings to lock-down the stages to the surface at the desired locations. It is preferred that the air bearings be vacuum preloaded and that linear motors be used to move the stages.