Abstract: An electric actuator has a body with a hole defined therein and an electric motor fixed to an end of the body. The electric motor has a rotatable shaft to which a feed screw is coaxially connected, and a feed nut is threaded over the feed screw. The hole receives an elongate cylindrical tubular member slidably fitted therein which surrounds the feed screw. The feed nut is secured to an end of the tubular member, and a support for feeding a workpiece supported thereon is fixed to the other end of the tubular member. The feed screw, which serves as a drive force transmitting shaft, is protected by the surrounding tubular member from the deposition thereon of dust, dirt, or other foreign matter and hence from unwanted shutdown or breakage.

Abstract: A height-adjustable work surface assembly including a movable work surface. A frame extends from beneath the work surface in order to provide support for the work surface. The frame has a support member directed downward from beneath the work surface. A leg is adjustably connected to the support member. A rack is connected to one of the support member and the leg. The rack includes a plurality of substantially horizontally extending teeth. An interlocking block is positioned adjacent the rack and within a cavity formed between the rack and the leg. The interlocking block is movable into and out of engagement with the rack. The cavity has a width greater than a width of the interlocking block and a width of one the teeth. A first fastening mechanism is connected to the interlocking block. The first fastening mechanism is horizontally movable such that the interlocking block is secured against the rack in a locked position and completely disengaged from the rack in an unlocked position.

Abstract: A keyboard storage device assembly of parallelogram shape is disclosed comprising first and second arms (18, 20), and first and second parallel platform housing arms (12, 14), each having an inner channel (42) axially receiving the arms (18, 20) therein with the arms (18, 20) moving reciprocally within the channels (42) between a retracted storage position and an extended position. A back plate (16) connects rearward ends of the arms (12, 14) and a wrist rest (26) connects forward ends of the arms (18, 20) such that the assembly may be varied in width and length. A pair of keyboard supporting plate arms (22, 24) have forward ends pivotally coupled to forward ends of the arms (18, 20) and pivot between a horizontal orientation over the arms (18, 20) into a vertical or inclined position. A keyboard positioned upon the arms (22, 24) is thus pivoted therewith and maintains an orientation such that the keys of the keyboard face forwardly and remain accessible to the user throughout the range of motion.

Abstract: A drive apparatus equipped with a ball screw which drastically improves the feeding accuracy of the driven members. The drive apparatus is equipped with detecting devices that have mutually different resolutions so as to detect the amount of rotation of each of a plurality of nuts possessed by the ball screw, thereby improving the overall resolution of the apparatus.

Abstract: A computer keyboard drawer which exhibits advanced design features that maximize keyboard user's access and comfort and is capable of accepting for support non-conventional ergonomically designed keyboards is disclosed.

Abstract: A footstool extension comprising a leg support assembly attachable to a footstool. In the preferred embodiment the leg support assembly comprises a platform, of a size and shape to correspond to the footstool to which it is attached and made of wood, plastic or other such material, with a pad or cushion covered with a suitable fabric, leather, plastic, or other covering attached to the top surface of the platform, and with the platform slideably mounted on one or more rails or runners bendably attachable to the footstool. A folding prop or brace is bendably attached to the rails allowing the leg support assembly to be folded out of the way when not in use.In other embodiments the pad or cushion is filled with a fluid or gel resulting in a more comfortable cushion that can be heated or cooled to provide some therapeutic value. An oscillator or vibrator can also be coupled to the gel filled cushion to gently massage the user's legs and/or feet.

Abstract: A workstation (1) includes two transversely spaced apart and opposed mounting tracks (2) connecting a VDU support shelf (3) and a keyboard support (4) for relative longitudinal movement. Each track (2) includes a longitudinally extending body (5) for abutting the bottom surface (6) of support shelf (3) Tracks (2) are held in fixed relation with surface (6) by a plurality of spaced apart counter sunk screws (7) which are received by complementary apertures (8 ) in body (5). First and second transverse arms (9,10) extend from body (5) and have respective opposed substantially parallel first and second engagement surfaces (11,12) which in combination with body (5) define an open ended channel (13) for retaining a complementary support formation in the form of a support bracket (14). The free end (15) of arm (9) extends beyond the free end (16) of arm (10) and includes a peripherally depending lip (18).

Abstract: It is intended to provide a table driving device which does not make a machine unduly large, and moves a table with high accuracy without being affected by deflection components of a nut as caused by rotation of a feed screw. The table driving device includes a guide portion with which a part of a table is movably engaged, a driving motor for rotating a feed screw, a nut threadedly engaged with the feed screw that is disposed in parallel with a moving direction of the table, a nut holder having a nut connecting portion connected to the nut and an engaging portion movably engaged with the guide portion, and moving along the feed screw and the guide portion together with the nut in accordance with the rotation of the feed screw, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the engaging portion of the nut holder to the part of the table that is engaged with the guide portion through balls that can roll in planes perpendicular to the moving direction of the table.

Abstract: A sliding platform for a cabinet for refrigerator and/or freezer having a stationary base secured to a floor of the cabinet and a sliding platform guided and facilitated for sliding by a plurality of loosely captured rollers between the platform and the base and prevented from tipping by anti-tip tabs. Both the platform and base have air entry air holes for delivering return air to an air passage beneath a top surface of the base.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a compact drive system, which is capable of highly synchronizing the parallel movement of travellers. In the drive system of the present invention, a pair of racks are arranged parallel in a first direction. A pair of travellers are capable of moving in the first direction. A first shaft is arranged in a second direction and rotatably connected to the travellers. A second shaft is arranged in the second direction and rotatably connected to the travellers. A pair of first pinion gears are fixed to the first shaft and respectively engaged with each rack. A pair of second pinion gears are fixed to the second shaft and respectively engaged with each rack. Driving means moves the travellers in the first direction. The first pinion gears are engaged with the racks with torsion, which has been applied to the first shaft in a first circumferential direction. The second pinion gears are engaged with the racks with torsion in a second circumferential direction.

Abstract: An attachment for a work supporting table of a-metal working machine is provided which will effectively substantially enable the supporting surface to be increased to enable an existing machine to handle large work pieces.

Abstract: A hinge assembly removably connects two bodies for pivotable movement relative to one another. The hinge assembly includes a first convex arcuate surface and a first concave arcuate surface on one body and a second convex arcuate surface and a second concave arcuate surface on the other body. The radii of curvature of the first convex arcuate surface and the second concave arcuate surface are about equal, and the radii of curvature of the second convex arcuate surface and the first concave arcuate surface are about equal, and each surface preferably defines an arc of about 180 degrees. The bodies may be assembled to one another so that the first convex arcuate surface slidingly engages the second concave arcuate surface and the first concave arcuate surface slidingly engages the second convex arcuate surface, thereby preventing relative movement of the bodies in a direction transverse to the pivot axis.

Abstract: A tilt table is hinged along an unload side and is spring urged to swing up towards the unload side to cause parts on the table to shift against an endwall. Pin and slot connections between fixed side plates and gussets on the table structure cause a roller supported platform to which the table is hinged to shift away from the unload side, carrying the tilt table hinged side away so that as the tilt table swings up, clearance at the unload side with the upper edge of the endwall is maintained to avoid impingement into the workspace which would otherwise occur.

Abstract: A support frame for a piece of equipment such as food handling equipment, or the like, includes a base with a pair of laterally spaced rails. A plurality of spaced apart beams extend generally transversely between the rails and are slidable relative to the rails in a first direction. A plurality of saddle members are positioned on the beams for supporting a piece of equipment and slide relative to the beams in a second direction which is generally transverse to the first direction. The saddle members on the rails are preferably configured and located for being sheltered from falling debris. An easily cleaned curved underbelly pan may likewise be provided for catching falling matter.

Abstract: A motor, a ball screw shaft, etc. are accommodated within a frame that forms an outer frame. Direct-acting guides are provided on both sides of a groove-shaped opening defined in the frame. The ball screw shaft is centrally disposed within the frame. A table slides along the direct-acting guides under the action of rotation of the ball screw shaft. The ball screw shaft has ball-screw splines formed over its entire length and both ends thereof supported by the motor and a bearing. The center of rotation of the ball screw shaft is brought into alignment with the centers of rotation of the motor and the bearing by balls inserted into the ball-screw splines.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard holder for ergonomically designed workstations. The present invention provides a keyboard holder that is infinitely adjustable both angularly and vertically. The keyboard holder includes a locking apparatus that allows ease of adjustment as well as restraining the keyboard holder from movement when locked. This keyboard holder allows adjustment without interfering with the use of an underdesk visual display terminal.

Abstract: An ergonomic console for a computer workstation having a horizontally extendible shelf which is vertically adjustable in increments of height to provide a comfortable clearance for different size persons. The shelf is slidable in tracks at either end, and adjuster plates on the interior sides of the console include vertical slots with rearwardly extending notches at spaced intervals which receive bushings extending from either end portion of the tracks.

Abstract: The object of the of the present invention is to provide a two dimentional drive system having a small and simple structure. The two dimensional drive system comprises: a first lever whose one end is fixed to a first shaft; a second lever whose one end is fixed to a second shaft; a third lever whose one end is fixed to a third shaft; a fourth lever whose one end is fixed to a fourth shaft; a first moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the first lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the second lever; a second moving guide whose one end is rotatably connected to the other end of the third lever and whose the other end is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth lever; and a moving body being capable of moving on the first moving guide and the second moving guide.

Abstract: A bed structure for an overlock machine comprises a fixed bed formed by connecting an extension bed to a portion of the front side of a main bed, a substantially box-shaped free arm cover transversely slidably and removably disposed contiguously with a main frame beside a throat plate so as to cover a looper; and a substantially U-shaped auxiliary bed having a front portion, a side portion and a rear portion, disposed so as to surround all sides of of the free arm cover excluding one side of the free arm cover adjacent to the main frame with the front portion thereof inserted in a gap between the extension bed and the free arm cover and with the end surfaces of the lower wall and the lower side wall of the side portion thereof in contact with the side surfaces of the main frame and joined to the extension bed with a horizontal land portion formed in the surface of the front portion thereof fitted in a horizontal groove formed in the corresponding surface of the extension bed so as to be transversely movable r

Abstract: A support frame for a food handling equipment, such as a meat slicer or the like, includes a base with a pair of laterally spaced immovable rails. A plurality of spaced apart beams extend generally transversely between the rails and are slidable relative to the rails in a first direction. A plurality of saddle members are positioned on the beams for supporting a food handling equipment and slide relative to the beams in a second direction which is generally transverse to the first direction.

Abstract: A table translation apparatus for a wood working machine is disclosed wherein a table can be repetitively moved at a high speed within a small distance to enhance the working efficiency for wood. A pair of front and rear screw shafts are supported for rotation linearly at front and rear portions of a bed extending forwardly and backwardly and driven to rotate forwardly or reversely independently of each other by a motor. A pair of front and rear shuttles are held in threaded engagement with the front and rear screw shafts, respectively. A pair of front and rear side clutches for releasably connecting the table and the front and rear side shuttles to each other, respectively, are provided on the table mounted for forward and backward sliding movement on the bed.

Abstract: A drive apparatus that, together with securing the lateral symmetry of the overall apparatus, minimizes the number of parts while also achieving a smooth operating state. A rotating member is provided that makes sliding contact at its outside surface with opposing portions of a belt-shaped member wrapped around each rotor to obtain a parallel state with respect to said opposing members. Thus, a driving device in the form of a motor and so on that rotates and drives said rotors can be arranged on a line extending from the center in the direction of width of a driven object. As a result, the lateral symmetry of the overall apparatus is secured. In addition, since the number of parts can be minimized, together with achieving a reduction in costs, a smooth operating state is obtained since said rotating member only makes sliding contact with said belt-shaped member.

Abstract: A transmission mechanism for converting a rotary movement into a translatory movement includes an internal and an external coupling member which have cooperating double thread systems made of a magnetizable material. The external coupling member includes a series of permanent magnets which are polarized in an axial direction and are provided at regular intervals between the individual threads of the thread system so that the individual threads each form a common pole shoe for the permanent magnets providing a maximum magnetic flux density along the portion of the thread system containing the permanent magnets. The presence of a non-magnetizable material between the threads provides that the mutually facing walls of the coupling members are smooth, and a static gas bearing can be applied between these walls.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a carriage, a base and a longitudinal guide for positioning the carriage. The longitudinal guide contains two guide parts attached to the base to provide a sliding mount for the carriage along an axis. A spindle is coupled to the carriage for moving it longitudinally and is provided with a rotating mount on the base. The manipulator also includes two wedge arrangements between the side parts of the base and the guide parts of the guide to center the carriage and prestress the guide parts in the direction of the axis. Each wedge arrangement comprises two cooperating slant faces one of which is an inner face of each side part of the base and the other of which belongs to a wedge which is moved with respect to the respective guide part for centering the same relative to the spindle. After completion of the centering operation the guide parts will be secured to the base, e.g. by screws.

Abstract: An examination table has a patient support plate attached to a floor stand so as to be movable relative to the floor stand in the longitudinal direction of the support plate. The support plate is generally rectangular, and has one side which is longer than the other. The support plate is moved relative to the floor stand by a motorized articulated lever, having first and second arms. Respective ends of the two arms are joined so as to be rotatable around a second shaft, and an opposite end of the first arm is rotatable around a first shaft connected to the support plate, and an opposite end of the second arm is rotatable around a third shaft attached to the floor stand. All three shafts are oriented perpendicularly to a horizontal plane in which the support plate is disposed, so that the first and second arms always move in a plane parallel to this horizontal plane.

Abstract: An X-Y table apparatus comprises a base (12), an X-directional moving member (14) movable in the X direction with respect to the base, a mounting member (18) movable in the Y-direction with respect to the X-directional moving member and being capable of loading articles and displacement detecting member (20) for detecting displacements of the mounting member with respect to the base. The displacement detecting member includes a main scale (24) cooperatively provided on the center of the rear face of the mounting member and having a first matrix-shaped land lattice, and an index scale (26) provided in parallel with the base so as to be movable in directions in a two-dimensional area with respect to the main scale and having a first orthogonally cross lattice (80) and a second orthogonally cross lattice (82), such that the displacement detecting member has a simple structure and effects accurate X-directional displacement and Y-directional displacement detection.

Abstract: The slidable work surface system includes a frame, a support member disposed on the frame, a work surface member provided on the support member, and a brake located between the frame and the support member. The brake has an engaged and a disengaged position, and restricts movement of the support member relative to the frame when the brake is in its engaged position. Another embodiment of the device includes a slidable work surface system having a display case associated therewith.

Abstract: A locating table apparatus is provided with a housing, a base member fixed in the housing, a table mounted so as to freely move in a longitudinal direction, driving members located on the base member for supporting and driving the table, an outer cover covering the table, an inner cover formed with a U-shaped groove member for covering the driving members therein, and a sound absorbing member attached to at least one of the inner and outer cover, whereby the noisy sound generated inside the locating table apparatus is attenuated by and absorbed in the sound absorbing member.

Abstract: A motor driven vertically adjustable work surface or desk which is optimized to support a substantial load of equipment cantilevered toward the front of the surface. The work surface is supported by a pair of motor driven telescoping legs having internal rolling bearings and rack and pinion drive arranged to eliminate sliding friction and maintain smooth motion. The telescoping legs are mounted toward the rear of the work surface and supported on a base or wall so as to provide maximum clearance under the front of the desk to accommodate wheelchairs and the like.

Abstract: An X-Y table assembly including a first, second and third tables all fabricated from a sheet metal by bending is provided. Each of the first, second and third tables includes a bent section formed with a guide groove, and two associated guide grooves of any adjacent two of the tables are located opposite to each other to define a guide groove in which a plurality of rolling members are provided. Thus, a linear relative motion can be provided between the first and second tables in X direction, and another linear relative motion can be provided between the second and third tables in Y direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, and suppresses the production of noise.The present invention is composed so that a drive roller rolls along a track rail as a result of providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by said track rail, and attaching the output shaft of said torque generation device to said drive roller.

Abstract: In the two dimensional drive system of the present invention, each end of a first X-shaft is connected to each first Y-guide, and the first X-shaft is capable of moving along the first Y-guides. Each end of a second X-shaft is connected to each second Y-guide, and the second X-shaft is capable of moving along the second Y-guides. Each end of a Y-shaft is connected to each X-guide, and the Y-shaft is capable of moving along the X-guides. A first moving body always locates at a cross point of the first X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. A second moving body always locates at a cross point of the second X-shaft and the Y-shaft, and is capable of moving thereon. An X-drive mechanism moves the Y-shaft along the X-guides. A first Y-drive mechanism moves the first X-shaft along the first Y-guides. A second Y-drive mechanism moves the second X-shaft along the second Y-guides.

Abstract: An X-Y movement mechanism includes a fixed base having a first surface and a movable member having a second surface. The movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base with the second surface being parallel with and facing toward the first surface. At least a first groove in the first surface extends in an X direction and a second groove in the second surface extends in a Y direction. The X direction is different from and at an angle with respect to the Y direction and both are parallel to the first surface and to the second surface. The first and second grooves respectively have overlying regions when the movable member is disposed for movement relative to the fixed base. An X-Y guide element has a first half and a second half. The first half is disposed in the first groove for sliding, non-rotating relative movement therebetween in the X direction. The second half is disposed in the second groove for sliding, non-rotating relative movement therebetween in the Y direction.

Abstract: A workcenter (10) comprises its supports (14a,b,c) which each carry a carriage (24a,b,c) movable along the supports by motors (30a,b,c) under central computer control (41).Each support is an aluminum extruded U-shaped section having four tracks (28) comprising steel strips (27) in slots (29).The carriage is likewise extruded having undercut slots (83) receiving the heads (92) of axles (90) which have eccentric stubs (96) on which bearing wheels (26) are journalled. Four wheels are so-mounted at each end of the carriage.

Abstract: First and second sliding bodies are guided along a first axis on linear guide rails. A linkage connects a table to the first and second sliding bodies. The linkage moves the table parallel to the linear guide rails when the first and second sliding bodies are displaced the same distance. The linkage moves the table perpendicular to the linear guide rails when one of the sliding bodies is moved a different distance from the first sliding body. The perpendicular distance can be either the Z axis or the Y axis.

Abstract: An improved tool tray support assembly comprises a center section, opposed extensible lateral support members and end support assemblies. The end support assemblies fit onto end sections of the lateral support members, and support the assembly on opposed edges of an engine compartment of a motor vehicle. The lateral support members slide within the center section and can be locked at any desired position to adjust the spacing of the end supports to accommodate various engine compartments. The angular orientation of the center section can be varied by adjustment of the position of the lateral support members with respect to the end supports. Tool trays of standard dimensions fit between the opposed lateral rails of the support member to enable convenient storage of small tools and parts. The tool tray assembly may also be supported beneath a vehicle service lift or the like, and the tool trays may be supported by brackets on wheeled stools for increased flexibility in their use.

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: The present invention provides a drive apparatus that is compact in size, low in cost, allows the attaining of a high degree of accuracy as well as high-speed driving, suppresses the production of noise, and demonstrates favorable ease of assembly when incorporating within machine tools and so on. The present invention is able to obtain the effects of reduction of costs, high accuracy and high-speed driving as a result providing a torque generation device on a slider guided by a track rail, attaching a drive roller to the output shaft of the torque generation device, and said drive roller rolling along the track rail. In addition, the above-mentioned effect of improved ease of assembly is obtained by attaching the torque generation device facing horizontally on the side of the slider.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a two dimensional drive system having higher positioning accuracy. The drive system includes a pair of first linear guides provided in a first direction; a pair of second linear guides provided in a second direction; a pair of first travellers slidably engaged with the first linear guides; a pair of second travellers slidably engaged with the second linear guides; a first ball bearing screw rotatably spanned between the second travellers; a second ball bearing screw rotatably spanned between the first travellers; a slider screwed with the first and the second ball bearing screws, the slider being capable of moving on the ball bearing screws; a first and a second motors for driving each ball bearing screw; a first restrainer for restraining the inclination of the first ball bearing screw with respect to the first direction; and a second restrainer for restraining the inclination of the second ball bearing screw with respect to the second direction.

Abstract: A movable table having two yokes mounted one above the other so as to be movable in two directions perpendicular to each other. Stage guides are provided on top surfaces of the yokes to extend in a direction perpendicular to the moving direction of the yokes. The upper yoke is formed with a through hole having a length determined by the length of the stage guides thereof. A stage is mounted above said yokes at the intersection of the yokes. On the bottom surface of the stage, there are provided slide bearings held in engagement with the stage guides of the upper yoke and slide bearings extending through the through hole in the upper yoke and held in engagement with the stage guides on the lower yoke.

Abstract: An adjustable keyboard holder. The present invention provides a keyboard holder that is infinitely adjustable both angularly and vertically. The keyboard holder includes a locking apparatus that allows ease of adjustment as well as restraining the keyboard holder from movement when locked. This keyboard holder allows adjustment without interfering with the use of an underdesk visual display terminal.

Abstract: A mobile cart used for effecting a plurality of pediatric functions is disclosed. The cart is constructed of stainless steel and has a substantially rectangular frame and walls which form an enclosed housing having a plurality of storage shelves and drawers therein. The housing is mounted on four casters for mobility. A combination examining, weighing, measuring, and treating table for receiving infants thereon is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the housing and is movable between a closed position on the upper surface and an open position completely removed from the upper surface. In the open position, the table is supported on a handle attached to the housing. A bath basin is positioned below the upper surface of the housing, and is accessible through an opening in the upper surface when the table is in the open position. A digital scale is positioned in the housing and connected to the table for weighing the infants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a two dimentional drive system. The drive system comprises a pair of guides provided on a base, the guides arranged in parallel in the X-direction; a rod arranged in the Y-direction, each end of the rod being slidably attached to the guides. A moving body is capable of moving on the rod. A first motor, which has a first shaft, is provided for rotating the first shaft. The first motor is provided to the base. A second motor, which has a second shaft, is provided for rotating the second shaft, the second motor is provided to the moving body. A first link includes a first end and a second end, the first end of the first link is connected to the first shaft. A second link includes a first end and a second end. The first end of the second link is connected to the second shaft. The second end of the second link is rotatably connected to the second end of the first link.

Abstract: A telescoping platform assembly able to convert each unit of distance moved by a driver into two, four, or greater number of units of platform extension includes five or more interconnected slide members. The interconnected slide members are extended by operation of a powered driver coupled to the second slide member cooperating with first, second, and third cable and pulley mechanisms. The first cable and pulley mechanism couples the first, second, and third slide members together so that the third slide extends twice as far as the second slide member. The second cable and pulley mechanism couples the second, third, and fourth slide members together so that the fourth slide members extends three times as far as the second slide member. The third cable and pulley mechanism couples the third, fourth, and fifth slide members together so that the fifth slide member extends four times as far as the second slide member.

Abstract: There is disclosed an intermediate support device which can be moved in a controlled manner in a direction of movement of a table of a table feed apparatus. The intermediate support device includes a nut threadedly engaged with a screw shaft rotatably supported at opposite ends thereof, a slider of a linear guide device disposed parallel to the nut, a connecting member which interconnects the slider and the nut, and rotatably supports the nut through a rolling bearing, and a brake device mounted on the connecting member so as to restrain the rotation of the nut. The brake device is turned on to allow the free rotation of the nut, and is turned off to lock the nut on the connecting member, thereby controlling the movement of the nut, so that the screw shaft is supported at an optimal portion thereof to thereby increasing the natural frequency of the screw shaft.

Abstract: A stage driving device for optical examining apparatus has a pair of moving beds capable of traveling in directions perpendicular to each other, straight guide members mounted on the moving beds, driving knobs coaxially arranged to move the moving beds, and a transmission mechanism converting a rotary motion of each of the driving knobs into a rectilinear motion of each of the moving beds. By the operation of the transmission mechanism, the movements of the moving beds can be made in two directions perpendicular to each other, independently or simultaneously. Additionally, the wear of parts of the straight guide members and the transmission mechanism is minimal and the use of inexpensive parts and the ease of assembly makes it possible to reduce the cost of the entire device.

Abstract: A motion guiding device includes a first movable member movable in a first direction, a second movable member movable in a second direction different from the first direction and for guiding motion of the first movable member in the first direction through a gas pressure, a base for supporting the first and second movable members independently of each other, with respect to a vertical direction through cooperation of a gas pressure. In addition, a guide is fixed to the base for guiding motion of the second movable member in the second direction through cooperation of a gas pressure and a magnetic force of a permanent magnet, a first linear motor moves the first movable member in the first direction, relative to the second movable member, and a second linear motor moves the second movable member with the first movable member in the second direction.

Abstract: An X-Y drive apparatus suitable for use in positioning an electronic component or the like at a desired position, such as a mounting position of a printed circuit board, is provided. Each of X and Y table units includes an elongated housing provided with a pair of stationary pulleys at its opposite ends and a table provided with a pair of moving pulleys. A pair of brackets is also mounted on the housing, each located between one of the stationary pulleys and a corresponding one of the moving pulleys. A belt, having its one end fixedly attached to one of the brackets, extends first around one of the moving pulleys, then around each of the stationary pulleys, and then around the remaining moving pulleys with its remaining end fixedly attached to the remaining bracket.

Abstract: Combining a plurality of two dimensional drive systems, a plurality of moving bodies can be independently moved by each of the two dimensional drive systems. Therefore, tools, robot-heads, work, etc. attached to the moving bodies can be moved independently. By attaching one of the two dimensional drive systems to another, the movement of both moving bodies are composed, so that the moving body of the one attached to another can be moved compositely. Therefore, the moving body or a tool, etc. attached thereto can be moved in a complex motion.

Abstract: A horizontal (X-Y) table used in, for example, a bonding device including a lower table movable in one direction on a horizontal plane, an upper table installed on the lower table and movable in the other direction on the horizontal plane, an upper table driving deck which is supported by a bridge that straddles the upper table and is able to make a linear motion in the moving direction of the upper table on the upper table, a driving mechanism for the lower table, a driving mechanism for the upper table driving deck, and a link which connects the upper table and upper table driving deck so as to move them in the moving direction of the lower table, thus minimizing an area to be occupied by the X-Y table.