Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting rotation of a supported object about an axis of rotation are provided. A system as disclosed includes a stop system that engages at a selected amount of rotation about an axis of rotation to provide a balanced force countering further rotation. The stop system includes one or more pairs of stop mechanisms, with one stop mechanism in a pair disposed to act from a first side of the axis of rotation, and a second stop mechanism in the pair disposed to act from a second side of the axis of rotation. Each stop mechanism can include stops that engage a flexure at a selected amount of rotation.

Abstract: Suspension system structures and methods are provided. A system as disclosed allows for rotation of a supported object in two axes, with very little translational movement of the supported object. The system can include a base mounting structure that is joined to an intermediate or connecting structure by a first set of flexure blades. The connecting structure is in turn joined to a supported element structure by a second set of flexure blades. The first set of flexure blades can include four blades that intersect along a line that is coincident with an X axis of rotation, and the second set of flexure blades can include four blades that intersect along a line that is coincident with the Y axis of rotation. The components of the suspension system can comprise a monolithic structure that is formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A micropositioner is provided. The micropositioner can include a suspension system with a support element that is connected to a base by first and second sets of flexures. The first and second sets of flexures permit movement of the support element within first and second dimensions respectively, while preventing movement of the support element in a third dimension that is orthogonal to the first and second dimensions. More particularly, the first set of flexures can include first and second flexures that are opposite one another and configured such that movement of the support element in the first dimension is allowed, but movement of the support element in the second and third dimensions is prevented. The second set of flexures can include third and fourth flexures that are opposite to one another and configured such that movement of the support element in the second dimension is allowed, but movement in the first and third dimensions is prevented.

Abstract: A micropositioner is provided. The micropositioner can include a suspension system with a support element that is connected to a base by first and second sets of flexures. The first and second sets of flexures permit movement of the support element within first and second dimensions respectively, while preventing movement of the support element in a third dimension that is orthogonal to the first and second dimensions. More particularly, the first set of flexures can include first and second flexures that are opposite one another and configured such that movement of the support element in the first dimension is allowed, but movement of the support element in the second and third dimensions is prevented. The second set of flexures can include third and fourth flexures that are opposite to one another and configured such that movement of the support element in the second dimension is allowed, but movement in the first and third dimensions is prevented.

Abstract: Suspension system structures and methods are provided. A system as disclosed allows for rotation of a supported object in two axes, with very little translational movement of the supported object. The system can include a base mounting structure that is joined to an intermediate or connecting structure by a first set of flexure blades. The connecting structure is in turn joined to a supported element structure by a second set of flexure blades. The first set of flexure blades can include four blades that intersect along a line that is coincident with an X axis of rotation, and the second set of flexure blades can include four blades that intersect along a line that is coincident with the Y axis of rotation. The components of the suspension system can comprise a monolithic structure that is formed from a single piece of material.

Abstract: A system is described which utilizes two perpendicular four-bar linkages coupled by a common plate to provide a translational-free flexible suspension having two rotational degrees of freedom about a desired point. One of the four-bar linkages is secured to a stationary "ground" structure, and the other linkage is attached to the object to be supported, such as a mirror. In one embodiment, two links of each of the two four-bar linkages are constructed from spring steel flexure elements which are rigid in all directions except about the rotational axis. The flexure elements thus comprise "revolute joints". Because the flexure elements function as spring hinges, no friction is encountered when the suspension is displaced or "pivoted".

Abstract: A reactionless scanning and positioning system is disclosed which includes a mirror scanning assembly coupled to a reaction mass having a rotational moment of inertia equal and opposite to that of the mirror assembly, so that the system is effectively reactionless. The overall mechanical design of the scanning system is optimized to require minimum power consumption by the actuators used to drive the scanning assembly. The scanning assembly is mounted on flexible pivots having a torsional stiffness which provides a mechanically resonant frequency such that a minimum amount of power is required to angularly position the mirror. A position encoder disc is used in both coarse positioning mode and in a relatively fast scanning mode to determine the position of the mirror. In the present invention, the position of the mirror is accurately determinable in a fast scanning mode due to the novel mounting of the mirror with respect to the position encoder disc.

Abstract: Pivotal platform apparatus (10) includes a frame member (12), a platform member (14) being pivotally attached to the frame member and having a first rotational inertia, and a reaction member (20) being pivotally attached to the frame member and having a second rotational inertia. A pair of crossed taut elements (40a and 40b) provide means for transmitting reverse rotation pivotal movement between the platform member and the reaction member so that the inertia of the reaction member balances the reaction of the platform member to provide a reactionless scan mechanism. A pair of motors (26a and 26b), each having pole pieces (30a and 30b) attached to the reaction member, and each having motor coils (28a and 28b) attached to the frame member, provide means for rotationally positioning the reaction member.