Abstract: A linear translator device, including: a first body; a second body; and a plurality of actuators; wherein each actuator includes a first part first part mounted to the first body and a second part is mounted to the second body, the first part includes a front end and a back end, the second part is configured to extend and retract parallel to the direction of motion; wherein the plurality of actuators are arranged so that the extending or retracting direction of the second part of one of the plurality of actuators is offset, parallel and opposite to that of another one of the plurality of actuators; and wherein at least a portion of the first part of the one of the plurality of actuators overlaps with a portion of the first part of the other one of the plurality of actuators in the direction of motion space.

Abstract: A preloading mechanism including: a first part having a protrusion; and a second part having a recess that matches the protrusion; wherein the recess includes a gib that is flexibly movable via a flexure; wherein a dimension of the recess varies based on a flexing of the gib; when the gib is in a neutral state, the dimension of the recess is smaller than a corresponding dimension of the protrusion; when the gib is in a flexed state, the dimension of the recess is larger than the corresponding dimension of the protrusion; and when the protrusion is inserted into the recess, the gib is in an interfering state, providing a preload force for eliminating a clearance between a surface of the protrusion and a corresponding surface of the recess, wherein the flexing of gib in the interfering state is between those of the neutral state and flexed state.

Abstract: A linear translator device, including: a first body; a second body; and a plurality of actuators; wherein each actuator includes a first part first part mounted to the first body and a second part is mounted to the second body, the first part includes a front end and a back end, the second part is configured to extend and retract parallel to the direction of motion; wherein the plurality of actuators are arranged so that the extending or retracting direction of the second part of one of the plurality of actuators is offset, parallel and opposite to that of another one of the plurality of actuators; and wherein at least a portion of the first part of the one of the plurality of actuators overlaps with a portion of the first part of the other one of the plurality of actuators in the direction of motion space.