Abstract: A hand 1 is constituted by a hand base 4 serving as a base portion, a rocking hand 3 disposed to be superposed on the hand base 4 and serving to support a substrate 2, and a rocking mechanism 5 provided between the hand base 4 and the rocking hand 3 and serving to support the rocking hand 3 to be tiltable and movable in parallel with respect to the hand base 4.

Abstract: A configurable end-of-arm tool attachable to an articulable robotic arm is described. The end-of-arm tool comprises a rail element, a machine-adjustable swing arm, a machine-adjustable extendable shaft attached to the swing arm. A machine-adjustable rotator set is attached to the extendable shaft, and a workpiece interface tool is attached to the extendable shaft. The swing arm, the extendable shaft, and the rotator set are machine-adjustable to place the workpiece interface tool at a predetermined position.

Abstract: Described are flexure-based high precision positioning stages. The stages are constrained to motion along each axis by a system of symmetrical flexure linkages. The linkages may be formed of link coupled by flexure joints. Magnetic linear servomotors may provide motive force for the stages. In some embodiments, the stages may have no frictional contact joints.

Abstract: A workbench includes a support base, a rotation disk rotatably mounted on the support base, a rotation seat mounted on the support base and rotated by the rotation disk, and a working table swivelably mounted on the rotation seat. The working table has two opposite working zones each having a recessed and tapered profile. Thus, the working table on the rotation seat has two working zones so that when the workpiece is positioned, the working tool can be used to directly work the two opposite faces of the workpiece by rotation of the rotation seat and the working table without having to turn and reposition the workpiece, thereby saving the working time, decreasing the cost of fabrication and enhancing the working efficiency.

Abstract: A method for operating an electromagnetic lift that includes a generator-driven electromagnet comprises adjusting a position of the electromagnet, in response to a first position command. Upon receiving a lift command, an output power level of a generator is established at a predetermined level above a predefined normal power level. In response to an excess release command, the output power level is set to a first predetermined level below the normal power level. In response to a transport command, the output power level is established as approximately the normal power level. Upon receiving a release command, the output power level is established at a second predetermined level below the normal power level.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a transfer stage for moving an object in a vacuum chamber in at least a plane of movement, including at least a first and a second rod each having a first and a second end, the first and second rod being connected one to the other with their first ends by a first hinge, the second end of the first rod being provided with a first hinged support and the second end of the second rod being provided with a second hinged support, the first and second hinged supports being roller supports and the first hinge being provided with a short stroke stage for the object. Particularly when using this transfer stage in lithography systems fast and reliable movements are possible.

Abstract: A blade sharpening assembly generally including a pair of clamping members disposable in coextensive relationship, each providing end portions for receiving a blade therebetween with a cutting edge thereof disposed beyond the ends thereof; means interengaging the clamping members functional as a fulcrum in permitting the end portions to displace in clamping a blade therebetween; means interconnecting the clamping members for angularly displacing the clamping members about the fulcrum; a guide member pivotally connected to a second end portion of each of the clamping members, pivotal between a first position disposed coextensively with a connected clamping member, and a second position at an angle relative to the connected clamping member, alignable with the guide member of the other of the clamping members, when the clamping members are disposed in coextensive; means interconnectable between the guide members when the guide members are disposed in alignment for releasably retaining the guide members in alignm

Abstract: A clamping device of a moving cart includes a clamp rotatably provided in a moving cart frame and including a plurality of locaters that vary with the kinds of vehicles for which the moving cart is being used, a positioning device slidingly provided in the moving cart frame to determine the position of the clamp, and an actuator selectively coupled with the clamp and the positioning device to rotate the clamp or to linearly move the positioning device. The clamp may includes a polygonal plate with locaters provided on its edges. Display units for displaying the kinds of vehicles are attached to the locaters. The actuator includes a sensor for sensing the display units.

Abstract: The present invention reduces the footprint of a stage apparatus to achieve a more compact apparatus. Using a Y-axis shaft having a magnet on the inside and a Y-axis mover constituted by a coil that surrounds the Y-axis shaft as a Y-axis drive part for moving a Y-axis movable body makes the drive part smaller than a linear motor. Consequently, a lateral part that faces a side gliding surface is arranged downwardly of the one Y-axis mover, to thereby eliminate the footprint occupied by the lateral part when lined up side-by-side with the Y-axis drive part.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for centering a substrate in a process chamber. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a substrate support having a support surface adapted to receive the placement of a substrate and a reference axis substantially perpendicular to the support surface, and a plurality of centering members extending above the support surface. Each centering member is biased into a first position and is movable to a second position by interacting with an opposing member. A movement between the first position and the second position thereby causes each centering member to releasably engage with a peripheral edge of the substrate to push the substrate in a direction toward the reference axis.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen stage which is simple in structure, and which suppresses a positional shift due to a friction heat caused by a brake or the like. One aspect to achieve the object provides a specimen stage including: a thrust portion thrust by a thrusting member; and a slide surface thrust by the thrust portion. When the specimen stage stops, the specimen stage performs a control in a way that a part of the slide surface in contact with the thrust portion, and/or a portion adjacent to the part or the thrust portion is heated. By heating the part of the slide surface or the like in this manner, a temperature gradient can be suppressed as described above (see FIG. 3).

Abstract: Provided is a substrate stage which can transfer a substrate at a high speed. In the substrate stage of the present invention, auxiliary mounting tables are attached to a main mounting table, and lower rails are arranged over on the main mounting table and above the auxiliary mounting tables. When both ends of the lower rails are bent upwardly by a vertically adjusting unit in order to prevent the both ends of the lower rails to be bent downwardly, the lower rails are made straight. Since the lower rail is not divided, the linearity is ensured and the moving plate does not stutter so that transfer of the substrate at high speed can be performed.

Abstract: A spray painting tool for painting key caps is disclosed, which comprises: a platform, having a plurality of columns formed on a top surface of the same; a panel, having a plurality of holes formed thereon at positions corresponding to the plural columns for allowing the plural columns to pass through the panel therefrom; a diaphragm, disposed on the panel while aligning a plurality of holes formed thereon with the plural columns for allowing the plural columns to pass through the diaphragm therefrom; and at least a holding unit, each being arranged on the panel at a position corresponding to one of the plural column for fixedly securing a key cap. As the diaphragm can be easily replaced, the spray painting tool can be used repetitively without worrying the stacking of residue paint on its panel. Moreover, as the spray painting tool is simple in structure and ease to use, painting key caps can be achieved with lower cost and less time.

Abstract: An X-Y table includes a platform and a frame which has an X and Y-truck trough. An X-drive motor interfaced to an X-drive gear. A Y-drive motor interfaced to a Y-drive gear. Both motors are affixed to the platform. An X-drive linear gear slideably held within an X-direction slot communicates with the X-drive gear whereas rotation of the X-drive gear results in linear movement of the X-drive linear gear. A Y-drive linear gear, slideably held within a Y-direction slot communicates with the Y-drive gear. An X-plane truck attached to the X-drive linear gear is slideably held in the X-truck trough. A Y-plane truck attached to the Y-drive linear gear is slideably held in the Y-truck trough. The frame moves in an X-direction responsive to rotation of the X-drive motor and in a Y-direction responsive to rotation of the Y-drive motor.

Abstract: A robot hand member mounted on an arm unit of an industrial robot and a method of producing the same, wherein there are successively executed a step of laminating prepreg sheets each containing a reinforcing fiber on the outer peripheral surface of a core member having a predetermined shape in cross section, a step of heating the laminated prepreg sheets to a predetermined temperature to thermally set, to form a fiber reinforced plastic, and a step of removing the core member from the fiber reinforced plastic to obtain a hollow structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fixture and method for mounting a head window to a frame for use in a submarine periscope system. The fixture supports the head window during the potting of the head window to the frame. A spring-loaded clamping plate is mountable to a baseplate for relative movement therebetween. The clamping assembly has an oval recessed portion. A plurality of spaced apart feet are formed within the oval. The feet support and are bonded to the head window. Shim stock are placed between the feet to define a critical gap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for conducting maintenance on chromatography columns used in industrial-scale chromatography. In particular, the invention is concerned with safer methods for performing maintenance on such columns, such as cleaning and replacing bed supports, distributors, nozzles, O-rings and other column components, by the use of a handling device to support, lift, carry and manipulate such column components.

Abstract: A repositionable support (1) includes a stationary portion (2) having a movable portion (3) mounted thereon to move in at least one adjustment direction (4) via a link member (5) associated with an actuator for adjusting the position of the movable portion along the adjustment direction, the link member being associated with a member for holding the movable portion in position relative to the stationary portion. A work station including such a support is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustable fixture comprises a clamping board used to mount a workpiece thereon, a hollow telescopic sleeve, a latching assembly, a telescopic shaft, and a fastening seat. The clamping board is fastened to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic sleeve slidably receives the telescopic shaft therein. The latching assembly is mounted on the telescopic shaft and resists an interior wall of the telescopic sleeve to position the telescopic shaft relative to the telescopic sleeve. The telescopic shaft is rotatably mounted on the fastening seat.

Abstract: A lightweight portable motorized oil filter inspection device comprising a housing, a drive plate having a plurality of gear teeth, an oil filter size adapter mounting adaptable to receive at least one of a plurality of interchangeable oil filter size adapters, at least one drive pin assembly mounting for accepting at least one adjustable drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents, a cutting blade assembly and a means to rotate the drive plate. The drive pin assembly having a plurality of detents enables precise alignment of at least one drive pin with at least one of the oil flow apertures of an oil filter canister. The drive plate is directly driven by a motor drive gear having a plurality of compatible gear drive teeth, mounted on an electric motor shaft.

Abstract: An upper clamping unit and a sub-clamping unit are respectively configured on the upper center of the main frame and on both sides of the front of the mounting portion, a side surface pad unit and a base surface pad unit are configured on one side and the front surface portion of the main frame so as to fix the upper part of a casting block, and the casting block is supplied from the upper portion through a gantry loader such that a separate transfer device is not necessary to make the fabrication process reasonable.

Abstract: A lift mechanism includes a balance structure configured to hold an object, wherein the balance structure is rotateably connected to an arm structure at a pivot point. The pivot point is configured, and the object is positioned, such that the pivot point is substantially coincident with the center-of-mass of the object being moved. Weights may be selectively attached to the balance structure to adjust the center-of-mass. In one embodiment, the lift mechanism includes a base and an arm configured to rotate with respect to the base, wherein the arm is attached to the balance structure at the pivot point. In this way, heavy objects may be lifted, translated, and rotated into place safely in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A disc holding apparatus including a plurality of movable holding claws, which have a holding section abutting to the outer circumference of a wafer having a notch and are arranged in the circumference direction of the wafer. The wafer is held by having each holding section on the inner edge side of each movable holding claw abut to the outer circumference of the wafer, thereby, at the time of detecting the notch by a sensor including a light source and a light receiving section, even when one of the holding sections abuts to the outer circumference of the wafer at a part where the notch exists, light from the light source is permitted to enter the light receiving section through the notch without being blocked by the holding section. Even when the wafer is held at the part where the notch exists, the wafer is not required to be correctly held again and throughput is improved with a shortened process time.

Abstract: A workpiece table arrangement for a milling and drilling machine comprising a rigid machine tool frame comprising an upper cross girth, a machining unit movable on the front side of the cross girth along at least two coordinate axes by means of a motor and including a rotationally driven work spindle including exchangeable tools. The workpiece table is disposed in front of the machine tool frame and horizontally movable along at least one coordinate axis by means of a motor and comprises a tabletop for clamping at least one workpiece. The machine tool frame comprises two rigid side walls rigidly connected to each other by the upper crossbar and a front end.

Abstract: Web processing method and apparatus (30, 300) is provided for high speed, extremely accurate die cutting or lamination operations. Processing station (32,300) includes a vacuum hold down plate (32,308) which receives and holds an image bearing incremental segment of the web. In feed and out feed tension on the web is released while a segment of the web is held by the hold down plate. The hold down plate with a segment of the web thereon is selectively shifted about X, Y, and ? axes as required to bring the image on the web segment into alignment with a web processing component at the processing station.

Abstract: A fine positioner module is used to perform fine positioning of a device that is pressing against a work surface. In some embodiments, the fine positioner module includes a contact member for making contact with a work surface, a position adjustor for using the contact member to move the device along the work surface, and an actuator for relieving pressure of the device against the work surface while the contact member is used to move the device along the work surface.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted disc clamping device provides a number of fixture rings preferably concentrically stacked on a fixture body that is moveable in fixture ring stacking direction and actuated by a wedge drive to compensate for varying fixture levels associated with the individual fixture rings and disc standards. Each fixture ring includes a planar flange with a vacuum groove and a central conical portion that rises above the planar flange. The conical portion is defined with a diameter and cone angle such that a disc of corresponding dimensional standard may be readily placed on the fitting fixture ring with the disc bottom being sucked onto the planar flange while the disc hole centers on the conical portion.

Abstract: A small-sized, lightweight rotary table apparatus is provided. The rotary table apparatus has: a support rest for rotatably supporting a rotary table; and a base for turnably supporting, in a cantilever fashion, the support rest by a shaft element, which is protrudingly formed on the support rest, being inserted into a hole provided in the base. The shaft element has formed therein a hollow section for accommodating at least a portion of a drive mechanism for rotating the rotary table.

Abstract: In combination, a locating pin and extraction tool for locating a work piece in conjunction with a jig comprises a locating pin including an elongate body having a head portion and a lower pin portion. The elongate body is of a length which is substantially greater than it is wide, and the pin portion is adapted to be inserted through a locating hole in the jig and into a locating hole in the work piece to locate the work piece. The head portion is a low-profile head, and has a height and width both of which are much smaller than the length of the elongate body. A lifting tool is provided and having a handle and a lifting foot adapted to engage the head portion of the locating pin for lifting and extracting the locating pin.

Abstract: A hand 1 is constituted by a hand base 4 serving as a base portion, a rocking hand 3 disposed to be superposed on the hand base 4 and serving to support a substrate 2, and a rocking mechanism 5 provided between the hand base 4 and the rocking hand 3 and serving to support the rocking hand 3 to be tiltable and movable in parallel with respect to the hand base 4.

Abstract: An apparatus for turning over an article (12) in a vacuum coating system includes a holder (10) for the article (12), which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (23) on a carrier. The apparatus further includes a turnover device (2, 4, 28) turning over the holder (10) by rotation about the axis of rotation (23) by utilizing a force generator. The turnover device (2, 4, 28) generates a force which turns over the holder (10) without mechanical coupling and without movable mechanical components between the turnover device (2, 4, 28) and the holder (10). A method of turning over an article (12) and for using the device or the method for turning over, in particular a plastic ophthalmic lens (12), is also disclosed.

Abstract: A copy milling device for the production of in particular dental workpieces, comprising a carrier plate for a model body and a shaping blank, an arm which is arranged pivotably about a horizontal axis extending substantially normal to its longitudinal direction and which has a motor-driven machining tool for cutting shaping of a workpiece from the shaping blank and a tracing device for tracing the model portion, wherein the machining tool and the tracing device are mechanically and synchronously movably connected, wherein the copy milling device comprises a suspension device for the arm.

Abstract: A substrate inspection device includes a substrate rotating device for holding a substrate on a holding surface and causing rotation, a disk having a disk body rotatably supported on a base and three lift cams fixed to an upper side of the disk body and formed with cam faces that are inclined surfaces inclined in the rotational direction, and a lifter having a lifter body with a support surface on which the substrate is mounted and guiding in the vertical direction and lifter driven sections respectively projecting to and fixed to a lower side of the lifter body, where lower sides of the lifter driven sections respectively contact the cam faces in a sliding manner at contact points, and if the contact points are moved to an upper side of the inclined surfaces the support surface becomes higher than the holding surface.

Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).

Abstract: An XY stage for controlling a position of a slider part on a lattice platen in two-dimensional directions has a plurality of the slider parts whose positions are controlled independently. The plurality of the slider parts each has: a position controlling part for controlling a position of the slider part in an X axis direction and a Y axis direction; and a yawing correcting part for correcting a yawing of the slider part around a Z axis.

Abstract: A transport apparatus includes a table capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement; a column arranged upright on the table so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; an arm protruding sidewise from the column, the arm being capable of making a lateral reciprocating movement and ascending and descending along the column; a head mounted to the tip of the arm so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation; and a jig mounting stage mounted to the head so as to be capable of making normal and reverse rotation, thus allowing six-axis movements. A welding robot or a workpiece can be carried on the jig mounting stage and transported while being grasped, and the six-axis movements can be stopped at desired positions, making it possible to perform positioning on the welding robot or the workpiece in terms of orientation, height, etc.

Abstract: Depaneling systems are disclosed for liberating circuit boards from panels. A depaneling system of the invention includes a cutting apparatus adapted to cut circuit boards from a panel, and a fixture pallet adapted to support a panel of circuit boards for cutting by the cutting apparatus. The fixture pallet is also adapted to tilt toward an operator to allow the operator to register a panel on the fixture pallet.

Abstract: System for positioning a component on a frame relative to a reference. It comprises a ball assembly (4), composed of a rod (6), a ball (8) fixed to the rod (6) and a ball joint clamping system (10, 12) mounted on the rod to fix the ball assembly relative to the component; a vee assembly composed of a rod (16), a vee (18) fixed to the rod (16) and a ball joint clamping system (20, 22) mounted on the rod to fix the vee assembly relative to the frame; an elastic connecting element (26) to keep the ball (8) in contact with the vee (18).

Abstract: A combinable positioning table constructed from an assembly and a cradle. The assembly comprises means for rotating the cradle which includes attachable elements that can be rotated about first axis and capable of being attached to the sides of the cradle for rotating the cradle, wherein the cradle includes means for attaching to the attachable elements of the assembly and where in said cradle has a work holder and means for rotating the work holder in an axis of rotation perpendicular to the first axis of rotation and wherein said cradle can be separated from the assembly so that the separated assembly and separated cradle can operate as independent positioning tables.

Abstract: An X-Y table for carrying a workpiece in an X-Y plane comprises a base member with a work table mounted in supported relation on the base member so as to be independently movable in an X-direction and a Y-direction in an X-Y plane. There is an X direction drive motor for selectively moving the work table in the X direction in the X Y plane. The X direction drive motor is connected to the work table in movable relation in the Y direction to thereby accommodate movement of the work table in the Y direction. There is also a Y direction drive motor for selectively moving the work table in the Y direction in the X Y plane. The Y direction drive motor is connected to the work table in movable relation in the X direction to thereby accommodate movement of the work table in the X direction.

Abstract: In a steady rest (1) for central clamping of rod-shaped workpieces (20) by means of three holding elements (4 or 7), of which the outer holding elements (7) can be swivelled about an articulated pin (8) mounted in a housing (2) and the middle holding element (4) can be adjusted in a straight line, in which coolant or lubricant can be carried to the workpiece (20) by means of ducts (23) worked into the housing (2) and the holding elements, supply of the coolant or lubricant to the middle holding element (4) without leaks is made possible by having a cavity (21) worked into the housing (2) and/or a housing cover (3). In addition, the ducts (22, 23) provided in the housing (2) and/or the housing cover (3) as well as in the middle holding element (4) are connected to the cavity (21) and these ducts (22, 23) are connected together by means of an elastically deformable element (31) that can be configured as a flexible high-pressure hose (32).

Abstract: The present invention includes a fixture for securing a work piece to a support surface at a machining workstation comprising a base attachable to the support surface and having at least one undercut edge, and, a work piece holder engaging the at least one undercut edge of the base, spaced apart from the support surface, and having moveable work piece attaching jaws.

Abstract: A automatic truss jig setting system is disclosed that includes a table including a plurality of segments with a side edge of adjacent segments defining a slot. At least one pin assembly, and optionally a pair of pin assemblies, is movable independently of each other along the slot. Movement apparatus is provided for independently moving the pin assemblies along the slot. Each of the side edges of the segments associated with the slot defines a substantially vertical plane with a zone being defined between the substantially vertical planes of the side edges, and the movement apparatus is located substantially outside of the zone of the slot. The invention may optionally include a system for handling the obstruction of pin assembly movement, and a system for keeping track of the position of the pin assembly when the pin assembly has encountered an obstruction.

Abstract: A positioning and clamping device or tools and/or workpieces, comprising a base body, a piston arranged such as to be displaceable in the base body, a pin which may be connected to the piston and at least one locking mechanism, for locking the positioning and clamping device relative to a tool or workpiece holder which has a complementary form to the base body. The base body has a cylinder housing for housing the piston with a clamping cone between the piston and the pin with control surfaces formed on the clamping cone and the piston, with further control surfaces on the locking mechanism, cooperating with the control surfaces of the clamping cone and the piston and the locking mechanism is arranged to be radially displaceable in the base body.

Abstract: A jig positioning system for use on a truss assembly table. The puck assembly 108 has a puck 109 positioned at least partially above the table top 105 with the puck 109 connected to a carriage 110 positioned at least partially below the table top. The puck assembly 108 moves along slots 118 in the table top 105. A threaded rod 102 extends through a threaded passageway 103 in the carriage 110, so, when the threaded rod rotates, the puck assembly moves along a corresponding slot in the table. A rod support member 116 extends along the length of the threaded rod 102 and is positioned below the threaded rod 102, the support member 116 contacting the carriage and, thereby, preventing the threaded rod from excessive sagging. A debris path is provided along both sides of the support member 116.

Abstract: A positioning device for a hand-held setting tool (10) includes an actuating switching device having an actuation element (24), a switching link (30) for connecting an actuation element (24) to the actuation switch (13) of the setting tool (10) and having a switching member axially displaceable relative to a stationary, with respect to the holder, structural component, and a safety device (50) for preventing actuation of the actuation switch (13) at a predetermined orientation of the setting tool (10) and including a displaceable blocking element (55), first and second annular recesses (51, 52) for receiving the blocking element and extending radially circumferentially about the structural component and about the switching member, respectively, with the first (51) and the second (52) annular recesses being open toward the switching member and the structural component, respectively, and with the blocking element (55) being completely positionable in one of the first and second annular recesses (51) in an opera

Abstract: Machine tool furnished with: a table (20) free to swivel about a horizontal swivel center axis, and having a table body (22) for carrying a workpiece, and an axially rotatable rotary shaft (23) disposed with the axis of the rotary shaft (23) coinciding with the swivel center axis, with a first end of the rotary shaft affixed to the table body (22); a support structure (15) for supporting rotatably the rotary shaft (23) via a bearing (15b); a swivel drive mechanism (25) for axially rotating the rotary shaft (23); riding members (31) abutting on an outer-peripheral locus on a rotary shaft (23) second end, off a portion, supported by the bearing (15b), of the rotary shaft (23); and hold-down mechanisms (32) arranged on the support structure (15), for supporting the riding members (31) and thereby pressing on and apply a load to the rotary shaft (23) outer-peripheral locus from above.

Abstract: A reliable, cost effective system and method are disclosed for exchanging fluid-filtration filters associated with electrical discharge machines (EDMs) and other applications. The system is compatible with filters of the type receiving fluid to be filtered from the inside out. The basic system comprises a housing to receive the filter, the housing having a top that opens and a bottom cap with an interior inlet fitting coupled to a supply line carrying fluid to be filtered. A pair of opposing swing arms, each having one end pivotally connected to a filter cabinet or other suitable base and another end pivotally connected to an opposing side of the housing, facilitate a first state, wherein the housing and filter are vertically oriented with the bottom opening of the filter sealed against the fitting for filtering operation, and a second state, wherein the housing is pivoted such that the top is oriented downwardly allowing the filter to disengage from the fitting and slide out of the housing.

Abstract: A small-scale positioning device employing a platform, a levering mechanism and a floating actuator device. The platform is movably attached to a fixed frame by a lever, a pair of levers, or more. The floating actuator device is coupled between at least one lever and the platform. When the actuator device is activated, it generates a force on the platform and an equal but opposite force on the levering mechanism, causing one or more levers to rotate around their respective fulcrums, thereby controlling the position of the movable platform relative to the fixed frame. The amount of displacement of the platform is dependent upon the effective expansion or contraction of the actuator device and the lever ratio. If the pair of levers are symmetrical, then motion is created in only a single degree of motion. Flexures may be included to prevent motion in unwanted directions.

Abstract: A removal system for membranes in a membrane filtration system of the type where the membranes (12) are supported on a membrane support rack (13) in a tank or vessel (6) which, in use, contains liquid to be filtered. The tank (6) comprises a selectively operable opening (9) which in an open position allows the removal of the membranes (12) from the tank (6). The membrane support rack (13) is movable relative to the tank (6) to move said membranes (12) through the opening (9), in its open position, to a position outside the tank (6).