Abstract: The present invention provides a linkage assembly that is pivotal along a first axis of rotation to cause rotation of another object along a second axis of rotation that is substantially orthogonal to the first axis of rotation. The linkage assembly can therefore be used as a motion transfer device, such as for a paper dispenser, or other assemblies in which it is desired to cause the automatic movement on component upon actuation of another component where components have different axes of rotation.

Abstract: An actuating device (23) for a lay ramp (6) of a vessel (1) for laying underwater pipelines “(2) has a runner (28), and a carriage (29) connected to the lay ramp (6) and which runs along the runner (28) to lift and lower the lay ramp (6); the runner (28) being defined by a first, a second, and a third portion (31, 32, 33), of which the first and third portion (31, 33) are out of line with respect to each other, and the second portion (32) is mounted on a movable assembly (37) to selectively align the second portion (32) with the first and third portion (31, 33).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an actuating device (1) having a drive part (2) moving an output part (5) from an initial position into a final position, wherein the output part (5), or the drive part (2), has a first region (9) and a second region (10), and the drive part (2), or the output part (5), interacts with the two regions (9, 10) such that the position of the output part (5) is changed during an interaction with the first region (9), and an interaction with the second region (10) prevents a return movement of the output part (5) into the initial position. The present invention further relates to a vehicle seat comprising the actuating device (1) according to the invention.

Abstract: An operation device comprises a lock mechanism having a drum case having a cylindrical drum wall, a lock spring containing a coil portion which is fitted into the drum wall and is locked by a friction force against the inner peripheral face of the drum wall, and a shaft guide mounted rotatably in the drum case and operated to exert or cancel a friction force of the lock spring. A transmitting mechanism for transmitting a reaction force and an operation force from an actuating mechanism is provided between the lock mechanism and the actuating mechanism provided at a desired position. A rattling preventing spring for preventing a rattling in the rotation direction of the shaft guide provided between the drum case and the shaft guide.

Abstract: Actuator elements such as cables or push rods in an instrument are used for manipulating an end effector or distal end of the instrument. Each actuator element extends within a tubular housing and either the tubular housing is axially rotated about the actuator element or the actuator element is axially rotated within the tubular housing to reduce at least one force opposing an axial force exerted through or movement of the actuator element.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a Centerless Robotic Platform (CRP) system adapted for mounting on a surface of a body. The surface body extends along a longitudinal axis and having an essentially closed cross-sectional contour. The CRP system comprises at least a first drive unit comprising one or more rolling member, at least one link unit comprising one or more rolling member, and a biasing arrangement. The drive unit and the one or more link units are adapted for attachment to one another. When mounted onto the body, the biasing arrangement is adapted to bias the rolling members to engage the surface of the body.

Abstract: An actuating system for a head restraint of a vehicle seat is provided. The head restraint includes a part that can be shifted from a comfort position to a safety position, such as in the event of an accident. Limbs are expandable from an initial position as a consequence of pressure loading to bring about a lengthening which can be transmitted to force transmission means. The limbs are connected to one another and/or to fastening means by joints, each having a first and a second joint pin which can be inserted axially into holes to form the joints.

Abstract: A device is provided for moving a plurality of hatches, spaced at intervals from one another in a circumferential direction of a gas turbine engine, between a first position and a second position, wherein each of the hatches is arranged to keep an opening in a wall in a closed position, when in the first position, and to keep the opening in an open position, when in the second position. At least one of the hatches is provided with two connecting members which are mutually separated in the circumferential direction of the device, and the device includes a linkage for the movement, the linkage being connected to the hatch at the two mutually separated connecting members.

Abstract: There are provided a rotation introduction mechanism which transmits a rotating motion on the atmosphere side into vacuum, is arranged simply, has a low sliding resistance, and has a long life, a substrate transfer apparatus, a substrate transfer apparatus having a small pivot radius and generating a smaller amount of dusts, and a vacuum processing apparatus. A lubricant holding member is attached to a vacuum seal mechanism. The substrate transfer apparatus is arranged such that a first link mechanism includes a first arm and a fourth arm, a second link mechanism includes a second arm and a third arm, the first arm is fixedly attached to a first drive shaft, the first arm is fixedly attached to a second drive shaft, the third arm is rotatably attached to the first drive shaft, and the fourth arm is rotatably attached to the second drive shaft. The vacuum processing apparatus includes the substrate transfer apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple degrees of freedom motion system comprising an arrangement of rigid stages, flexure constraint modules, actuators, and sensors. These components of the motion system are arranged and connected in a systematic fashion to provide a high degree of decoupling between the motion axes, suitable placement of ground-mounted actuators to actuate each motion axis, and suitable placement of sensors to allow end-point measurement along each motion axis. This arrangement of rigid stages, flexure constraint modules, actuators and sensors enables large motion range and high motion quality in the motion system, while using standard and commonly available components.

Abstract: A planar moving apparatus includes a moving stage, a first driving apparatus, a second driving apparatus and a base member. The base member carries the stage, the first driving apparatus and the second driving apparatus. The first driving apparatus drives the moving stage along a first axial direction and the second driving apparatus drives the moving stage along a second axial direction. The first driving apparatus and the second driving apparatus operate independently and do not interfere with each other when the moving stage moves along either the first axial direction or the second axial direction.

Abstract: A joint drive type link mechanism provided with a link including a joint portion at an intermediary thereof, and a driving source for the joint portion, wherein a link member configuring the link is mounted with the driving source and electric components used for the control of the driving source, in which the link is prevented from being heated by the heat of the electric components is provided. The link member includes an interior space in which the electric components are arranged and has the driving source arranged thereon with an air inlet connecting to the interior space and an exhaust outlet for exhausting the air passing through the interior space. Further, the interior space is provided with fans as well as a heat sink for cooling the air after air-cooling the electric components.

Abstract: A control device for a marine propulsion system includes a base and at least two levers. Each one of the levers is supported by the base at a first end for pivotal movement about a common pivot axis and extending generally normal to the pivot axis to have a second end. The second end has a grip. The grip of one of the levers extends toward the second end of the other one of the levers. The respective grips are nested with each other when the levers extend generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: A multi-degree-of-freedom motion mechanism comprises a first linkage unit, a second linkage unit, a driven unit, a connection block and a third linkage unit; the first linkage unit and the second linkage unit are respectively disposed with a first curved projecting section and a second curved projecting section; a driven rod of the driven unit is respectively movably coupled to the first curved projecting section and the second curved projecting section; the connection block is respectively pivotally coupled to a first pivot element of the driven unit and a second pivot element of a third linkage unit. Whereby, the driven unit can then be nimbly controlled to move up and down as well as left and right and rotate relatively to a geometric center point of the connection block through few drive mechanisms.

Abstract: A locking mechanism includes a hydraulic actuator component and an electronic actuator component that are arranged coaxially, each of the actuator components being arranged to control a locking member that retains a movable component. In one version, each of the actuator components can individually engage a mechanical detent to enable unlocking of the movable component, for use, for example, in an uplock mechanism for aircraft.

Abstract: An auxiliary device for a mechanical arm includes a supporting base, two reciprocating engines, a rotational plate, and four suction members. The reciprocating engine includes a cylinder and a driving rod. The cylinder is configured for driving the driving rod linearly and reciprocating along its longitudinal axis. The cylinder is rotatably fixed to the supporting base, thereby defining a first rotational axis therebetween. The driving rod is rotatably fixed to the rotational plate, thereby defining a second rotational axis therebetween. The rotational plate is also directly and rotatably fixed to the supporting base to be rotatable about a third rotational axis defined therebetween. The three rotational axes are parallel. The four suction members are fixed to the rotational plate.

Abstract: A transmission selector mechanism for controlling a gearbox which provides forward/reverse direction and high/low ratios using two coupling members (6?, 53:7?, 54) each axially slideable in both directions either side of the a respective neutral position to couple a selected one of a pair of gears (10, 12:11, 13) to an associated shaft (4, 5). The mechanism includes a driver operated forward/reverse selector member (50) and a driver operated high/low ratio selector member (52). The forward/reverse selector member (50) moves a first selector formation (64, 64b) which is engageable with a first coupling formation means (66) on a first cam (61) which moves one of the coupling members (7?, 54). The high/low selector member (52) moving a second selector formation (63, 63b, 63c) which is engageable with a second coupling formation means (65) on a second cam (58) which moves the other coupling member (6?, 53).

Abstract: A control handle included in a bush cutter is provided. A driving controller is switched on so that the cutting blade is driven in an adjusted speed mode at a rotation speed set by a speed adjuster. The control handle includes a high-speed mode controller configured to set the rotation speed of the cutting blade to a high rotation speed, and an interlock device provided between the driving controller and the high-speed mode controller and configured to interlock the driving controller and the high-speed mode controller when the high-speed mode controller is switched on so as to move the driving controller concurrently with the high-speed mode controller. When the high-speed mode controller is switched on, the driving controller is concurrently switched on by the interlock device so that the cutting blade is driven in a high-speed mode.

Abstract: The dimensions of the fitting part of an actuator are to be dramatically reduced while enabling control items such as a driving motor and a position sensor of standard designs to be fitted around outside the actuator. To achieve this purpose, the actuator is provided with a trunnion type universal joint including: a fitting shaft, holding members and a rotary block having a nut arranged in it; a ball screw that is screwed into the nut of the universal joint and, being operationally linked to a driving power source, can move the nut back and forth; and a ball screw guide that is provided on the universal joint and guides the back-and-forth moving direction of the ball screw.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of manipulators, such as multiaxial or multiaxle industrial robots. At least one manipulator functions as the reference manipulator and is moved in a plurality of preset poses within its working area at which internal position values are determined as first desired poses. For each desired pose, subsequently a first actual pose of the reference manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. Subsequently at least one further manipulator moves up to specific poses of the reference manipulator as second desired poses and for each of these poses an actual pose of the further manipulator is determined by an external measuring system. On the basis of actual-desired deviations between the thus determined desired and actual poses of the two manipulators, subsequently a parameter model for the further manipulator is established and with it it is possible to compensate simultaneously both its own errors and those of the reference manipulator.

Abstract: A positioning system for a spherical object which adjusts orientation thereof in azimuth and elevation comprising first and second drive rods threadably engaged with respective first and second brackets secured to the surfaces of opposing left and right hemispheres the object The first and second drive rods include a first coupling configured for imparting co-rotation to the drive rods and a second coupling configured for imparting counter-rotation to the drive rods, and a clutch for selecting operation of either coupling.

Abstract: A continuous variable valve lift apparatus includes an input cam; a control lever rotating shaft; a control lever with a contact portion, provided on the control lever rotating shaft; a control portion that controls the angle between the control lever and the control lever rotating shaft; a first link rotatably connected to the control lever rotating shaft; a second link rotatably connected to the first link, that contacts the contact portion; an output cam on the second link, to open and close a valve; and an elastic portion provided such that a connecting portion of the first link and the second link contact the input cam.

Abstract: A drive mechanism and a gripper mechanism equipped with the drive mechanism are provided. An electrical gripper includes a drive mechanism equipped with a motor, a feed screw that transmits a rotary drive force from the motor to a feed nut capable of displacement in an axial direction, and a gripper section that grips a workpiece by coupling to the feed nut and being displaced thereby. The drive mechanism further is constituted by a self-locking mechanism, which prevents the feed nut from being retracted as a result of a reactive force received in the event that the feed nut is advanced and the workpiece is gripped by the gripper section.

Abstract: A bicycle gearshift support (22) including an anchoring (32) and a coupling (34) portion that are structurally distinct from each other and joined by a connector is disclosed. The invention is particularly well suited for a bicycle front gearshift (20), and the structurally distinct elements can be made from different materials.

Abstract: An apparatus associated with a cable robot system is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: an end-effector platform adapted to be positioned and maneuvered within a three-dimensional (3D) workspace, three vertical support members adapted to be positioned outside the 3D workspace, and three adjustable cables adapted to be routed from each vertical support member and releasably secured to the end-effector platform to apply upward and downward tension to the end-effector platform. The adjustable cables are adapted to be adjustably extended and retracted in a coordinated fashion to maneuver the end-effector platform such that an adjustable portion of each adjustable cable spans from the corresponding vertical support member to the end-effector platform. At least two of the adjustable portions associated with each vertical support member are generally in parallel relation to each other.

Abstract: A micromanipulator for moving a probe comprises two elements which are mechanically connected to one another in such a way that one element can be moved relative to other element. The movement of the element occurs as a result of the pressure change of a fluid which acts upon an actuator which is in mechanical contact to a mobile element or to an element moving on a surface segment.

Abstract: A manipulator add-on unit adapted for connection to a system designed for performing operations on a body having a central axis and a surface extending about said central axis, when mounted onto said surface and further adapted for performing rotary motion about said central axis, said manipulator add-on unit comprising a housing with a drive assembly, and a manipulator arm having a longitudinal axis and articulated to said drive assembly, wherein said housing is adapted for mounting onto said system, and said drive assembly is adapted for providing said manipulator arm with at least a reciprocal axial movement in the direction of said longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a non-shift operating lever, a first shift operating lever and a second shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The non-shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member. The first and second shift operating levers are operatively coupled to the shift control unit. The second shift operating lever is a separate member from the first shift operating lever. The first and second shift operating levers are configured and arranged relative to each other such that the second shift operating lever is moved by the first shift operating lever when the first shift operating lever is operated.

Abstract: A bicycle control device is basically provided with a base member, a shift control unit, a control member and a first shift operating lever. The shift control unit is mounted to the base member. The control member includes a first portion operatively coupled to the shift control unit and a second portion spaced from the first portion. The first shift operating lever is movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a first shift operating path and movably coupled relative to the base member to move along a non-shift operating path that is non-coincident with the first shift operating path. The first shift operating lever is slidably engaged with the second portion of the control member such that the second portion of the control member is moved when the first shift operating lever is moved along the non-shift operating path with sliding contact therebetween.

Abstract: A working vehicle with a speed maintaining apparatus having a plurality of wheels including at least one driven wheel; a vehicle body supported by the plurality of wheels; an engine supported by the vehicle body; a stepless transmission driven by the engine and capable of changing speed of power to the driven wheel; a neutral return device for biasing the stepless transmission toward a neutral position; a change speed pedal operatively connected to the stepless transmission; a speed maintaining device for maintaining the stepless transmission in a desired speed position; a speed setting lever movable to a retreat position and to positions in a forward speed range for setting the stepless transmission to the desired speed position in which the stepless transmission is maintained by the speed maintaining device; a relay rocking element connected to the stepless transmission through an auxiliary rocking element pivotable relative to the relay rocking element; and a control member provided in the speed maintainin

Abstract: A parallel-link operational device in which links of a link mechanism connecting rotary actuators and a movable member do not protrude outside an area of a base. Six flat rotary actuators driven to control position and posture of the movable member are provided on the base, rotary output shafts of which are disposed radially pointing toward the center of the base. The links fixedly mounted on the rotary output shafts of the actuators are connected by joints to one end of rods, and the other end of the rods are connected to the movable member by joints. An end effector mounted on the movable member is rotated by an actuator for posture control mounted on the base via a rotational-force transmission mechanism composed of joints, spline couplings, etc. The links rotate in planes parallel to the sides of the base without protruding beyond the area covered by the base.

Abstract: A planar parallel mechanism having a platform movable in a plane along three degrees of freedom is described Existing technology fails to provide a manipulator with three degrees of freedom, wherein the mechanisms for moving the manipulator move in a decoupled fashion A manipulator and method of supporting and displacing an object which provides a solution to this problem comprises a base (1) and a moving portion (2) and articulated support legs (A1,A2,A3) between the moving portion (2) and the base (1) The articulated support legs (A1,A2,A3) are connected to the base (1) by a first translational joint, and jointly restrict movement of the moving portion to displacements in a plane in two translational degrees of freedom and one rotational degree of freedom A decoupled displacement of the moving portion (2) along a first of the two translational degrees of freedom and a decoupled displacement of the moving portion (2) along the rotational degree of freedom both result from actuation of at most two of the firs

Abstract: An eye module is provided. The eye module includes a casing, an eyeball and a first driving element. The eyeball having a surface is disposed in the casing. The first driving element leans against the surface and drives the eyeball to rotate by a first friction force generated by rotating the first driving element.

Abstract: An active hinge apparatus is disclosed which can be used to raise a micromechanical structure (e.g. a plate or micromirror) on a substrate. The active hinge apparatus utilizes one or more of teeth protruding outward from an axle which also supports the micromechanical structure on one end thereof. A rack is used to engage the teeth and rotate the axle to raise the micromechanical structure and tilt the structure at an angle to the substrate. Motion of the rack is provided by an actuator which can be a mechanically-powered actuator, or alternately an electrostatic comb actuator or a thermal actuator. A latch can be optionally provided in the active hinge apparatus to lock the micromechanical structure in an “erected” position.

Abstract: In operation of a rough and fine movement mechanism (1) of a linear drive type, a fine movement mechanism (3), on which an objective workpiece to be positioned (8) is mounted, is transferred toward a target point at a high speed by a rough movement mechanism (2) and roughly positioned around the target point. Subsequently, the objective workpiece (8) is transferred in a narrow stroke range by the fine movement mechanism (3) and accurately positioned at the target point. The objective workpiece (8) is transferred with a high acceleration by the rough movement mechanism (2) under a condition where the fine movement mechanism (3) is mechanically connected to the rough movement mechanism (2) by a braking mechanism 9. As a result, when the rough movement mechanism (2) is accelerated, no load acts on the fine movement mechanism (3) or such a load can be decreased.

Abstract: An angular contact ball bearing includes a plurality of balls disposed between raceways of inner and outer bearing rings. Each ball is in contact with at least one of the raceways at two points having different contact angles from each other and located on an opposite side of a bearing centerline from a point at which each ball is in contact with the other of the raceways. The bearing is a full complement bearing, wherein the balls are arranged in a full complement. With this arrangement, it is possible to minimize the contact stress at the two contact points where the radial load and the axial load in one direction are supported, thereby reducing elastic deformation at the two contact points. This makes it possible to further increase the rigidity of the bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed having a hydraulic control system with a user input to select a range of metering rates.

Abstract: A gearbox actuator comprising a selector shaft 2 which is arranged in a housing and is driven by a drive. A shift finger 3 and disengaging shaped elements 4 used to actuate gearshift rails are arranged on the selector shaft, and jibs for 12-15 supporting and guiding the gearshift rails are arranged on the housing. The gearbox actuator 1 comprises the central selector shaft 2 mounted in bearing elements 19 and comprises a shift finger 3 and two disengaging shaped elements 4 arranged in the center thereof, at a distance corresponding to the width of a channel. Preferably, the selector shaft 2 is driven by a brushless motor 5 by means of a double planetary stage 6 and a toothed segment 7 which engages a toothed wheel 16 that is preferably positioned in a housing element 17. A preferably second brushless motor 8 drives a sliding element 37 by means of spindle 9, the sliding element displacing the shift finger 3 and the disengaging shaped elements 4 on the selector shaft 2.

Abstract: A base plate is provided in one of a door and a vehicle body of a vehicle. A latch is pivotally secured to the base plate and engages with a striker of the other of the door and the vehicle body. A ratchet engages with the latch to allow the door to be held in a closed position. An emergency-operating portion is mounted to the base plate and manually operated at the interior of the vehicle, so that the ratchet is released from the latch, which is then released from the striker. The door can be opened.

Abstract: A slide module having a first slide member, a second slide member moveable with respect to the first slide member, and a biasing unit connecting the first slide member to the second slide member, is provided. The biasing unit includes a first linkage having a plurality of links, the first linkage having one end rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, a second linkage having a plurality of links, the second linkage having one end of the second linkage rotatably connected to the first slide member and the other end rotatably connected to the second slide member, and a biasing mechanism connected between the first linkage and the second linkage.

Abstract: A radiation surveillance sensor system includes a radiation responsive sensor, a lightweight, radiation reflective member for selectively adjusting the incident radiation path to the sensor, and power means for controlling the position of the reflective member to achieve pan, tilt, or zoom functions for obtaining predetermined selectable view locations of the sensor. Similarly, a method for selectively controlling deflection of radiation from a field to be monitored by generating a 360 degree panoramic field of view includes the steps of fixedly positioning a radiation sensor for receiving radiation from a field to be observed, movably positioning a mirror-like surface for selectively reflecting radiation from the field to be observed towards the sensor, and rotatably driving the reflective mirror to selectively reflect radiation from the mirror to the fixedly mounted sensor to achieve up to a 360 degree panoramic view.

Abstract: A planar positioning system having a rigid base, and first and second linear actuator means mounted to the rigid base, the first and second linear actuator means being arranged orthogonal to one another. A rigid reference surface (2A, 2B) is mounted to the base, (1) and a moveable platform (17) for holding a workpiece is supported for movement on the rigid reference surface (2A, 2B). First and second guiding means are coupled to moveable portions of the respective first and second actuator means, the first and second guiding means being arranged to bear on the moveable platform for transmission of forces thereto from the respective first and second actuator means to effect movement of the platform (17) on said rigid reference surface (2A, 2B). The first actuator means may comprise two linear actuators (4A, 4B) parallel to one another and spaced apart with the second linear actuator means (8) orthogonal thereto and arranged in an H-shaped configuration.

Abstract: A master cylinder which has an unusual ability to limit space requirements, to be fitted in vehicles controllable by handlebars, comprises a cylinder body provided with a seat for housing a portion of the handlebar. A chamber for slidably housing a piston extends along an axis inside the cylinder body. A manual control lever which acts on the piston is mounted on the cylinder body for pivoting about its fulcrum in a plane. The axis along which the chamber for slidably housing the piston extends intersects the plane of pivoting of the control lever at a point.

Abstract: A method of controlling an operation of a mechanism is provided. A first rate limit is assigned to a first input device that is operable to generate a first signal to control the operation of the mechanism. A second rate limit is assigned to a second input device that is operable to generate a second signal to control the operation of the mechanism. At least one of the first and second input devices are manipulated to effect a desired change in the operation of the mechanism. A maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism is identified based on the first and second signals and the first and second rate limits. A rate of change in the operation of the mechanism to achieve the desired change in the operation of the mechanism is determined based on a comparison of the maximum allowable rate of change in the operation of the mechanism with a last used rate of change in the operation of the mechanism.

Abstract: There are provided an exposure method and an exposure apparatus in which the influence of vibration is not mutually transmitted so much when two movable stages are used. X axis sliders (19A, 20A) are arranged movably in the X direction on both sides in the Y direction of a wafer base (13). A first Y axis slider (16A) is arranged movably in the Y direction for the X axis sliders (19A, 20A). A first wafer stage (WST1) is arranged movably in the Y direction (scanning direction) along the Y axis slider (16A). X axis sliders (19B, 20B) are arranged in parallel to the X axis sliders (19A, 20A). A second Y axis slider (16B) is arranged for the X axis sliders (19B, 20B). A second wafer stage (WST2) is arranged movably along the Y axis slider (16B). When exposure is performed on the side of the first wafer stage (WST1), wafer exchange or wafer alignment is performed on the side of the second wafer stage (WST2).

Abstract: A machine tool for at least triaxial machining of work pieces comprises a column of the type of a casing with side walls. In an interior space, provision is made for a work spindle which projects into a working area and which is connected via couplers and hinges to a driving skid that is displaceably guided on each side wall straight in a y direction. The driving skids are displaceably guided on two guides which are spaced from each other in the z direction. Provided between the guides are linear motors, a first part of which is mounted on the driving skid and a second part on the side wall.

Abstract: A garage door drive assembly for moving a linkage arm connected to a garage door, the assembly being adapted for shipping in a partially assembled condition in at least a box for on-site installation, the assembly has a longitudinally-extending rail with laterally extending flanges. The assembly also has a carriage shaped to fit about the flanges. A drive mechanism is movably mounted to the rail. An anchor is coupled to the drive mechanism. The assembly also has a coupler with a selectively releasable connection to the anchor, a connector pivotably connectable to the linkage arm, and a detachable connection enabling the coupler to be fixedly secured to and carried by the carriage. The rail and the carriage may be shipped to the installation site in a box having a smaller cross-sectional profile than would be required to accommodate the carriage and coupling in their connected state.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus moves an X-Y slider together with X and Y beams. Electromagnetic guides (electromagnetic mechanisms) are interposed between the X-Y slider, the X beam, and the Y beam. The electromagnetic guides include alignment and acceleration electromagnets attached to the X-Y slider, and targets attached to the X and Y beams. The alignment electromagnet is feedback-controlled, whereas the acceleration electromagnet is feedforward-controlled.

Abstract: An Improved metrology apparatus, such as a scanning probe microscope (SPM), has an actuator that controls motion in three orthogonal directions when it is selectively and electrically stimulated. The X-Y section of the actuator, preferably a piezoelectric actuator, controls motion in the X and Y directions and the Z section of the actuator controls motion in the Z direction. A flexure is attached to the actuator and is mounted on a reference structure to prevent unwanted X and Y motion by the Z section of the actuator from moving a probe attached to the flexure. Preferably, two mirrors are mounted on the flexure. In operation of the SPM, a light beam is directed towards these mirrors. When the flexure moves in the Z direction, one of the mirrors is deflected and causes the reflected light to move across a detector, generating a signal representative of a change in the Z position of the flexure and the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device for affecting the accelerator (15) of a vehicle by means of a an actuator, typically a handle (3), arranged within the reach of the driver. The main purpose of use of the invention is to modify vehicles equipped with foot pedal control means so that they become better suitable to be used by disabled persons. The invention is suitable to be used by professional drivers to improve driving comfort.