Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for clamping an object. The apparatus comprises a clamping mechanism and an actuation system to actuate clamping and de-clamping of the clamping mechanism, wherein the actuation system comprises two actuator devices which are operatively coupled whereby to provide an actuation force to the clamping mechanism. Preferably, the actuator devices comprises a variable reluctance actuator and a linear induction actuator coupled together and adapted to cooperate to provide the actuation force to the clamping mechanism.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor system and a method for positioning a load. The system comprises support means such as an XY table for supporting the load. A first motor and a second motor cooperate to drive the load, whereby the first motor is adapted to provide higher thrust than the second motor and the second motor is adapted to deliver higher positioning accuracy than the first motor during a positioning sequence to position the load.

Abstract: The invention provides a motor system and a method for positioning a load. The system comprises support means such as an XY table for supporting the load. A first motor and a second motor cooperate to drive the load, whereby the first motor is adapted to provide higher thrust than the second motor and the second motor is adapted to deliver higher positioning accuracy than the first motor during a positioning sequence to position the load.

Abstract: Force sensing apparatus is provided for sensing deflection of a transducer in an ultrasonic welding machine. The apparatus includes a body member, a transducer holder and a force sensor. The transducer holder is adapted to hold an ultrasonic transducer and the transducer holder is fixed to the body member. The force sensor is located between adjacent surfaces of the body member and the transducer holder to sense a force applied between the surfaces.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for moving an optical element in an opto-mechanical system, comprising at least one circularly symmetric flexure surrounding said optical element, and means for moving said optical element along an axis perpendicular to and extending through the centre of said at least one flexure. A number of flexures may be provided in a stack with spacers therebetween, and the optical element may be mounted in a tubular member support by two paced apart stacks. Means are also provided for damping end of movement vibrations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bonding head for a wedge wire bonding apparatus in which the bonding force of the transducer assembly, and also the clamping force of the wire clamping assembly are provided by permanent magnet motors including a coil formed as part of the transducer assembly and the wire clamping assembly respectively and with the coils located between magnets fixed to a bond head bracket member. The use of permanent magnet motors to provide the bonding and clamping forces results in apparatus in which the bonding and clamping forces can be controlled with high accuracy and reliability.

Abstract: Force sensing apparatus is provided for sensing deflection of a transducer in an ultrasonic welding machine. The apparatus includes a body member, a transducer holder and a force sensor. The transducer holder is adapted to hold an ultrasonic transducer and the transducer holder is fixed to the body member. The force sensor is located between adjacent surfaces of the body member and the transducer holder to sense a force applied between the surfaces.

Abstract: Force sensing apparatus is provided for sensing deflection of a transducer (8) in an ultrasonic welding machine. The apparatus includes a body member (2), a transducer holder (1) and a force sensor (4). The transducer holder (1) is adapted to hold an ultrasonic transducer (8) and the transducer holder (1) is fixed to the body member (2). The force sensor (4) is located between adjacent surfaces (11, 12) of the body member (2) and the transducer holder (1) to sense a force applied between the surfaces (11, 12).