Abstract: A flexure having six degrees of freedom is disclosed. The constraint and compliance of the flexure in all six degrees of freedom may be independently tuned for an application. The flexure may include various combinations of sections including, for example, straight arm and curvilinear sections. The constraint and compliance of the flexure is determined by the geometry, cross-sectional area, cross-sectional shape, and material used to form the various sections. A coupling mechanism and a corresponding method for using the coupling mechanism for automated or autonomous assembly of elements using tuned flexures is disclosed. The automated or autonomous assembly of elements employs a coupling mechanism having a motor driven grip and a coupler, in which the coupler includes a six degrees of freedom flexure. The motor driven grip and coupler may optionally include electrical or optical interconnections and self-aligning features.

Abstract: A flexure bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of substantially planar radially extending blades coupled between the inner and outer race. The blades have a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the inner and outer races. The inner race, outer race, and blades have substantially the same height. At least one heating element is coupled to the inner race and/or the outer race. The heating element is configured to apply heat to the race that it is coupled to in order to tune the flexure bearing.

Abstract: A flexure bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of substantially planar radially extending blades coupled between the inner and outer race. The blades have a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the inner and outer races. The inner race, outer race, and blades have substantially the same height. At least one heating element is coupled to the inner race and/or the outer race. The heating element is configured to apply heat to the race that it is coupled to in order to tune the flexure bearing.

Abstract: A flexure bearing includes an inner race, an outer race, and a plurality of substantially planar radially extending blades coupled between the inner and outer race. The blades have a thickness that is thinner than a thickness of the inner and outer races. The inner race, outer race, and blades have substantially the same height. At least one heating element is coupled to the inner race and/or the outer race. The heating element is configured to apply heat to the race that it is coupled to in order to tune the flexure bearing.

Abstract: Apparatuses for mounting an element are disclosed herein. In a general embodiment, the apparatus includes a mounting apparatus having a plurality of flexure arms positioned around an outer periphery of the mounting apparatus. The arms are for contacting an element when an element is positioned in the mounting apparatus. The apparatus also includes couplers configured for coupling the flexure arms together. The flexure arms apply a radial compressive force to an element when an element is installed in the mounting apparatus.

Abstract: The various technologies presented herein relate to positioning one or more devices of an optical apparatus. In a general embodiment, a tube having a threaded external surface is secured to an alignment ball, the alignment ball being located on a pair of bearings. Attached to the tube is a flange comprising a threaded aperture having the same diameter and pitch as the threaded external surface of the tube. As the tube is turned rotationally about its length, the position of the flange is change on the external surface of the tube.