Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240).

Abstract: A method to reduce vehicular sensitivity to torsional smooth road shake (SRS) at the steering wheel provided by selectively increasing reverse driven-impedance of the steering system via an effective dynamic tuned vibration absorber comprising the existing power steering motor inertia supported on the torsional stiffness of the gearing to the rack in the case of a REPS system, or of the column rotary shaft in the case of a CEPS system.

Abstract: A method to reduce vehicular sensitivity to torsional smooth road shake (SRS) at the steering wheel provided by selectively increasing reverse driven-impedance of the steering system via an effective dynamic tuned vibration absorber comprising the existing power steering motor inertia supported on the torsional stiffness of the gearing to the rack in the case of a REPS system, or of the column rotary shaft in the case of a CEPS system.

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240).

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240).

Abstract: “Hexapod” mountings are disclosed for use with optical elements. An exemplary mounting includes a base, a platform that is movable relative to the base, and six legs having nominally identical length. Three pairs of legs, having substantially equal stiffness, extend between the base and platform and support the platform relative to the base. In each pair of legs, respective first ends are coupled together in a ?-shaped manner forming a respective apex. Respective second ends are splayed relative to the apex, desirably forming an angle of substantially 109.5° at the apex. The apices are mounted equidistantly from each other on a circle on the platform. The respective second ends of the pairs of legs are mounted at respective locations on a circle on the base. The axes of each pair of legs define a respective leg plane substantially perpendicular to the base plane. Each leg has an actuator that, when energized, changes a length of the respective leg.

Abstract: A stage assembly (220) that moves a work piece (200) about a first axis and along a first axis includes a first stage (238), a second stage (240) that retains the work piece (200), a second mover assembly (244), a measurement system, and an initialization system (1081A). The second mover assembly (244) moves the second stage (240) relative to the first stage (238) about the first axis. The measurement system (22) monitors the position of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is positioned within a working range about the first axis. The initialization system (1081A) facilitates movement of the second stage (240) about the first axis when the second stage (240) is rotated about the first axis outside the working range. The second mover assembly (244) can include a mover (255) and a dampener (410) that reduces the transmission of vibration from the first stage (238) to the second stage (240).