Abstract: A computer mouse having a separately movable hand rest. The mouse comprises a housing having a conically shaped depression within a top wall of the housing tapering to an aperture through the top wall. A connecting pin extends through the aperture with an interior end secured within the mouse housing. A hand rest providing support to the heel and palm of the hand is orbitally connected to the connecting pin by an aperture through the hand rest located within a concave portion sized to fit within the depression of the mouse housing. The hand rest has an arcuate shaped bottom portion and a base end moving about the mouse housing during use to maintain alignment of the hand rest with the hand. The housing moves free of interference from the hand rest adjacent the arcuate shaped bottom portion. A tensioning means tensions movement of the hand rest about the housing.

Abstract: A structure has a first support foot, a second support foot, a third support foot and a fourth support foot. The four support feet are spaced apart. Preferably, the first support foot and the second support foot are fixed feet. The third support foot is vertically adjustable in position and the fourth support foot is vertically adjustable in position. A linkage means is interconnected between the third support foot and the fourth support foot. The linkage means includes lock means associated with the fourth support foot. The third support foot and the fourth support foot are vertically adjustable in position to place them substantially on a support surface together with the first support foot and the second support foot. The linkage means moves the lock means into a locked position in response to the third support foot assuming a predetermined vertical position on the support surface.

Abstract: A workstation panel lifting bracket is adapted to be mounted to a jack to raise a workstation panel off the floor a sufficient distance to allow for access beneath the panel. The bracket comprises a generally horizontal top plate that is adapted to be mounted to the jack. A leg extends downwardly and forwardly from a forward edge of the top plate. Preferably, the leg forms an angle of about 80° to about 85° with the bracket top plate. A foot extending forwardly from a bottom end of the leg. An upwardly turned lip is preferably formed at the end of the foot. To provide stability to the bracket, jack, and panel during raising and lowering of the panel, the bracket also include a brace on the leg. The brace has a front surface and opposed side surfaces. The side surfaces are generally triangular in shape, and the brace front surface is in a plane substantially perpendicular to a plane of said top plate. Preferably, the brace front face is approximately as long as the leg.

Abstract: A linkshaft support bearing bracket system for use in an automotive vehicle having an engine and a transaxle with a linkshaft. The linkshaft support bearing bracket system includes a spherical bearing wherein that bearing has an orifice through a center point thereof. The linkshaft is arranged within that orifice. The linkshaft support system also includes a first bearing retainer and a second bearing retainer adjacent to one another. The spherical bearing is arranged within the first bearing retainer and the second bearing retainer. A support bracket is attached to the automotive engine. The first bearing retainer and the second bearing retainer are secured to the support bracket. The first and second bearing retainer will allow for multiple axes of movement of the spherical bearing relative to the link shaft and the transaxle.

Abstract: A removable post cap for attachment on top of dock posts. It has a carrying handle and fits over the dock post. Attached to the cap are a plurality of post cap accessories, such as cup holders, mini-tackle box, a fishing pole holder and gear hooks.

Abstract: A mounting back is provided for mounting a display hanger to a vertical support having a plurality of spaced apertures, such as pegboard. The mounting back generally comprises a main body, a first prong, and a positioning member. The first prong is connected to the main body and projects rearwardly therefrom. The first prong has a general L-shape and is positioned to extend through an aperture in the vertical support for attaching the mounting back thereto. The positioning member is connected to the main body and extends rearwardly relative to the rear surface. The positioning member is positioned to extend into an aperture for preventing inadvertent removal of the first prong, and hence the mounting back, from the vertical support.

Abstract: Described is a method for decorating or attaching objects, such ornamental light strings, misting systems and the like, to surfaces of three-dimensional object. The method uses specially designed clips and obviates the need to use a ladder when attaching the linear systems to hard to reach locations.

Abstract: An accessory support apparatus for use with a patient support includes a handle positioned adjacent an end of the patient support. A coupler is configured to couple the handle to the patient support. An accessory is coupled to the handle.

Abstract: A merchandise display hook 20 comprising a downward recess 24 for engagement with a horizontal bar material b, a first groove 32 provided substantially horizontally and substantially orthogonal to the bar material b at the upper surface 21, a first fixing orifice 38 provided substantially perpendicular to the bottom portion of the first groove 32, a second groove 42 provided substantially vertically and substantially orthogonal to the bar material b at the rear surface 23, and a second fixing orifice 48 provided substantially horizontally on the bottom portion of the second groove 42, the hook being substantially entirely composed of a synthetic resin. With such a hook, the number of arms can be easily adjusted with a small number of components, the number of production processes and cost can be reduced, and the merchandise arrangement can be changed rapidly.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting a sensor at a fixed position with respect to a target is provided. The arrangement includes a housing for the sensor. A mount is provided spaced away from target having a bore. A fastener is provided for insertion into the bore. Fastener has a shank with a tapered portion. A looped bracket is provided having an eyelet for encircling the housing. The bracket has two opposite ends that are at least partially overlapping having generally aligned holes for reception of the shank. One of the bracket ends has a wedge tab. Upon insertion of the shank into the bore the wedge tab is contacted by the tapered portion of the shank to cause the bracket eyelet to close to capture the housing.

Abstract: A dual extrusion hinged sign hanger hangs from the ceiling and holds signs, banners, posters, and any other sheet type of display material. Display material can be easily changed within a smooth non-damaging holder portion which opens for free non-friction insertion of the display material. The closure has flexible tabs on one side and a smooth flexible curved surface to hold the display material against the tabs. The closure acts perpendicularly to the display material with a snap together closure that does not come in contact with the display material.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for facilitating supporting of an object are disclosed. One such apparatus includes an engagement member attachable to the object and adjustable from a first configuration to a second configuration in which the engagement member is configured to engage a support. The engagement member preferably occupies less volume in the first configuration than in the second configuration. The support may include a lifting member such as a forklift tine, or may include a support surface, for example.

Abstract: A rollable sports ballast base for supporting a sports apparatus support member comprising a base member which has a first edge and a second edge, a top surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surface is adapted to contact a support surface such as a driveway or other playing surface. There is at least one wheel assembly for contacting the support surface. One of the wheel assemblies is retractable from a lowered position to a raised position such that when in the raised position, the bottom surface of the base member substantially contacts the support surface. In the lowered position, both wheel assemblies contact the support surface thereby separating or elevating the base member from the support surface. In another embodiment, the invention consists of a similar rollable sports base for supporting a sports apparatus support member wherein one wheel assembly is retractable and comprises a pivoting connector coupled to the base member and a wheel bracket coupled to the pivoting connector.

Abstract: The invention provides a detachable base support including a support, a base plate, and a latch. The support includes a protrusion which has a latch hole. The base plate has a receiving space for accommodating the protrusion. The latch is movably connected to the base plate. When the protrusion is inserted into the receiving space, the latch moves to a first position allowing a portion of the latch to pass through the latch hole for fixing the support onto the base plate.

Abstract: A suction cup removably attached to a housing lifts and moves an object. A venturi removably attached to the housing provides a vacuum effect to secure the suction cup to the object. The venturi includes a pair of opposing ears. When the venturi is inserted into a venturi hole of the housing, the ears compress a pin. When the venturi is rotated to an attached position, the ears do not contact the pin, and a spring biases the pin outwardly to secure the venturi to the housing. The pin is coupled to a button on the housing that can be slid to move the pin inwardly to allow rotation and removal of venturi.

Abstract: A frame of a motor vehicle seat with a longitudinal guide (20), a seat carrier (26), a front pair of oscillating cranks disposed between the longitudinal guide (20) and the seat carrier (26), and a padding support for a seat padding. A pinion (48) is rotatably disposed on one of the oscillating cranks (22, 23), an actuator (71) being associated with the pinion. A pivot unit (54) is disposed between the two oscillating cranks (22, 23) and is rotationally linked to the two oscillating cranks (22, 23) so as to be pivotal about an axial line. The pivot unit (54) is provided with a sector gear (62) that is centered on the axial line and meshes with the pinion (48), and an adjusting arm (64) is provided which is disposed between the pivot unit (54) and the padding support (30) so that the height of a front edge of the padding support (30) is adjustable by adjusting the sector gear (62).

Abstract: A seat slide device which includes a lower rail fixed to a vehicle floor, an upper rail fitted into the lower rail to be slidable relative to the lower rail for supporting a seat, a lock device for fixing the upper rail at an arbitrary position of the lower rail, a lock lever provided in the lock device and rotatably supported on the upper rail, a lock bore formed on the lower rail, a pawl provided on the lock lever for being able to be inserted into the lock bore, and an energy absorbing bore provided on the lower rail and arranged in series with the lock bore and separated from the lock bore by a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A pivotable clamp is provided. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a clamp that includes a first member that is pivotably coupled to a second member. A third member is pivotally coupled to the second member. The first member is sized to slidably engage a rail that is part of a retractable cover system. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a pivot block that includes a pivot slot. A rail engaging member is slidably coupled to the pivot block, and a pivot arm is pivotably mounted in the pivot slot. This embodiment may include a second pivot slot sized to pivotably receive the pivot arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier system (10) for a medical apparatus (11). The carrier system includes rotation joints (17, 18, 20). A supply line harness runs in the carrier system (10) and is run so that it is covered. The rotation joint (18) includes a tube-shaped holding member on which fingers are formed which hold a rotation joint. A joint element, which is rotatably journalled in a joint receptacle, is provided in the rotation joint (20). The joint element has a wave-shaped section which is connected via a connecting section to an annularly-shaped section functioning to accommodate a connecting arm.

Abstract: A computer tower stand includes a structure including a shelf adapted to support a computer tower chassis, and a main compartment configured to conceal and store peripheral computer devices such as cables that extend from the computer tower chassis and various other electrical devices utilized in conjunction with the computer system. A speaker compartment is formed in the main compartment and configured to house and support a speaker assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable support stand (30) supports equipment above a foundation. A body (56) has a threaded sleeve (58). A shaft (60) has a support end for supporting the equipment and a threaded end for screwing into the threaded sleeve of the body to adjust a height of the support stand. An isolation bearing assembly (70) is disposed on the support end of the shaft for providing isolation to the equipment. Four legs (46) are connected to the body. Each leg has a vertical channel member (80) in contact with the foundation and a diagonal brace member (90) coupling the vertical channel member to the body. The legs are individually extendable in length. A leg extension assembly (116) can be used to extend the height of the support stand.

Abstract: A structure for hanging objects is disclosed to include a base level, a first strap body, and a second strap body. The first strap body is bonded to the base level such that a plurality of first slots each having a predetermined breadth are formed between the first strap body and the base level. The second strap body is stackably bonded to the first strap body such that a plurality of second slots each having a predetermined breadth are formed between the first strap body and the second strap body. Each of the first slots corresponds to at least two of the second slots.

Abstract: A communication and control device for attachment to a hospital bed for including a voice activated communication and control module.

Abstract: According to the optical object discriminating apparatus, light emitted from a light-emitting device is collimated by a collimator lens, concentrated by an object lens and applied to an object to be detected moving in a prescribed direction so as to form a light spot having a prescribed diameter. Light reflected from at least a partial region in the light spot is concentrated via a light-receiving lens and made incident on a light-receiving device. An operation processing circuit discriminates a type of the object to be detected on the bases of an amplitude and an output level of a waveform outputted from the light-receiving device.

Abstract: A light-sensing diode in a high resistivity semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type, the substrate having a surface protected by an insulator, comprising

Abstract: A night vision system for a vehicle includes a pulsed light source for illuminating a region proximate the vehicle, the light source operating at a predetermined pulse timing. A light sensor generates a light intensity signal in response to detecting light at approximately the same wavelength as light from the light source. A controller receives first and second light intensity signals from the light sensor corresponding to first and second time periods between pulses of the light source, compares the first and second light intensity signals, and modifies the light source pulse timing as a function of a ratio or difference between the first and second light intensity signals, to avoid blinding of the vehicle's night vision system by similarly-equipped vehicle's traveling in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An image intensifier includes a photocathode (11) with a face plate (22). A conductive layer (24) is disposed outwardly from the face plate (22). A grounded conductor (16) is electrically coupled to the conductive layer (24) and grounds the conductive layer (24).

Abstract: An image intensification camera system (C) for gathering image data includes an image intensifier (310) for amplifying received light (312). A relay optic assembly (316) is coupled between the image intensifier (310) and a digital image sensor (318), such as a CMOS or CCD device. Digital logic (322) is used to process or output an image or related data (334).

Abstract: In order to provide multiple resolution capabilities in an encoder device with the fewest number of parts, a single circuit board platform is provided with multiple chip buses electrically connected in parallel. Each bus is located adjacent a different code disc track wherein the code disc includes multiple concentric tracks of different resolution. The chip buses are compatible with either a surface mounted or a plug-in mounted encoder module assembled to a printed circuit board platform having alternate disc track read locations provided by separate encoder module bus ports. To change resolution the encoder module chip is simply moved from one bus to an alternate resolution bus on the PC board that lies adjacent a different code disc resolution track. In one embodiment, the PC board is mounted to the housing and the electric motor and the code disc is mounted on the rotary motor shaft in order to provide shaft angle position for electrically controlling the operation of the motor.

Abstract: A probe which generates near-field light from an aperture at the tip is provided. The tip is covered with a lightproof member, at least the interior of the lightproof member is in the shape of a cone having a plane-shaped top, and the aperture is provided in the top plane.

Abstract: A microscope, particularly a laser scanning microscope, with an adaptive optical device in the microscope beam path, comprising two reflective adaptive elements, at least one of which is constructed as an adaptive optical element, both of which are oriented with their reflector surface vertical to the optical axes of the microscope beam path, and a polarizing beam splitter whose splitter layer is located in the vertex of two orthogonal arms of the microscope beam path or two orthogonal portions of a folded microscope beam path, wherein a first adaptive element is associated with one arm and the other adaptive element is associated with the second arm, and a quarter-wave plate is located in each arm between the beam splitter and reflective adaptive element, and a detection device to which the detection light is directed and which is linked to the adaptive elements by evaluating and adjusting devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for separating ions in the gas phase. An apparatus according to the instant invention includes a high field asymmetric waveform ion mobility spectrometer including an inner electrode having an outer surface and a length. The apparatus further includes an outer electrode having an inner surface and a length and surrounding the inner electrode over at least a portion of the length of the inner electrode, the inner electrode and the outer electrode defining an analyzer region therebetween and being disposed in a spaced apart arrangement for allowing ions to propagate therebetween. The outer electrode also includes an outlet from the analyzer region and at least a first ion inlet and a second distinct ion inlet into the analyzer region. The first ion inlet and the second distinct ion inlet are each for communicating with at least one ionization source.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more elements or compounds in a laboratory sample, and for simultaneously performing both vapor generation and nebulization in one device, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosed cyclonic spray chamber with two integrally affixed cylindrical ports, one for introducing a nebulizer into the chamber and the other for facilitating volatilization of analytes within the chamber. In addition, two conical tubes are integrally affixed to the chamber and oriented opposite each other, with one tube serving as the means for introducing a sample into the spray chamber, and the other tube serving as the means for introducing reductant/reactant into the spray chamber. This invention allows a sample that has been introduced into the spray chamber to be subjected to nebulization or vapor generation, or to both processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a raster electron microscope having a specimen chamber and a detector for electrons mounted in the specimen chamber. The raster electron microscope also includes a specimen table having a specimen holder and the specimen table is mounted in the specimen chamber. A diaphragm system is provided on the specimen table and has a diaphragm between the specimen holder and the detector. The diaphragm system is adjustable relative to the specimen holder. The invention can be configured especially as an ancillary module which is accommodated on the specimen table of a conventional raster electron microscope. The system of raster electron microscope and ancillary unit serves for generating special contrastings, especially a dark-field contrast in transmission.

Abstract: In order to efficiently detect discharged electrons at an electromagnetic field lens, there is provided an electron beam apparatus for focusing an electron beam 1 from an electron gun running along an optical axis X so as to be incident to a single pole-piece lens with an electrostatic bipotential lens 10 onto a sample 2 subjected to a negative voltage and detecting secondary electrons 8 discharged from the sample 2, wherein a conductive first cylinder 51 encompassing part of the optical axis X and permitting the passage of the electron beam 1 from the electron gun, a first detector 41 for detecting secondary electrons 8 of the secondary electrons 8 that did not pass through the first cylinder 51, and a second detector 42 for detecting secondary electrons 8 of the secondary electrons 8 that did pass through the first cylinder 51are provided within the single pole-piece lens with an electrostatic bipotential lens 10, with the secondary electrons 8 then being efficiently sent to the second detector 42 by a Wien

Abstract: A lighting system for night vision applications including a near infrared light source, a visible light source, a beamsplitter and an optical element. The beamsplitter is arranged to reflect light emitting from either the near infrared light source or the visible light source and transmit light emitting from the other of the near infrared light source or visible light source so as to produce a color-corrected light source. The optical element is disposed a predetermined distance from the color-corrected light source. The optical element includes an input surface for receiving light from the color-corrected light source and an output surface for emitting the received light in a desired emission pattern. In one embodiment, each of the near infrared light source and visible light source is associated with respective first and second optical elements.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an analyzer of a multiplicity of gases in a sample gas that includes: (a) an infrared source of infrared radiation; (b) a multiplicity of band-pass filters, including a reference band-pass filter, and an opaque area; (c) a movement mechanism that places the band-pass filters and the opaque area in front of the infrared radiation at predetermined times, and includes a location pickup mechanism; (d) a location pickup mechanism detector that generates movement mechanism timer signals; (e) a sample cell disposed in a path of the infrared radiation through which the sample gas travels; (f) a gas temperature sensor and a pressure transducer that generate temperature and a pressure signals; (g) a detector that detects infrared radiation that has passed through the sample cell and generates detector signals; and (h) a controller that analyzes the movement mechanism timer signals, the detector signals, the temperature signal, and the pressure signal to provide concentrations

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a material such as the water-wall tubes in boilers includes the use of a portable thermal line heater having radiation shields to control the amount of thermal radiation that reaches a thermal imager. A procedure corrects for variations in the initial temperature of the material being inspected. A method of calibrating the testing device to determine an equation relating thickness of the material to temperatures created by the thermal line heater uses empirical data derived from tests performed on test specimens for each material type, geometry, density, specific heat, speed at which the line heater is moved across the material and heat intensity.

Abstract: A non-destructive method is provided for determining the amount of an anodize coating on a metallic substrate. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate without the anodize coating is determined. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate with the anodize coating is determined. A value of infrared energy absorbed in the anodize coating is determined, and the value of the infrared energy absorbed in the anodize coating is correlated to an amount of the anodize coating.

Abstract: A nondestructive method is provided for efficiently determining thickness of a sol-gel coating formed upon a metallic substrate. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate without the sol-gel coating is determined. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate with the sol-gel coating is determined. A value of infrared energy absorbed in the sol-gel coating is determined, and a value of the infrared energy absorbed in the sol-gel coating is correlated to a thickness of the sol-gel coating.

Abstract: A non-destructive method is provided for determining the amount of a chromated conversion coating on a metallic substrate. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate without the chromated conversion coating is determined. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate with the chromated conversion coating is determined. A value of infrared energy absorbed in the chromated conversion coating is determined, and the value of the infrared energy absorbed in the chromated conversion coating is correlated to an amount of the chromated conversion coating.

Abstract: A gain control technique for controlling the sensitivity of a passive infra-red motion detector. A manually adjustable gain control element such as a potentiometer is coupled to the PIR amplifier circuit at the final amplification stage so as to apply a greater potential difference across the gain control element to retard the deleterious effects of corrosion or other conduction-reducing influences and so that noise induced in the leads from the gain control to the circuit will not undergo any significant amplification compared with the desired signal from the PIR sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing infrared detectors operable at cryogenic temperatures. The invention includes a sensor (10) for detecting electromagnetic energy comprising a first detector (14) operable over a first temperature range and a predetermined number of auxiliary detectors (12) operable over a second temperature range, wherein the auxiliary detectors (12) are adjacent to and in the same optical plane as the first detector (14). In the illustrative embodiment, the energy is infrared or visible light, the first temperature range is a range of cryogenic temperatures, and the second temperature range is a range of ambient temperatures. The first detector (14) is a focal plane array and the auxiliary detectors (12) are uncooled detector arrays. In the preferred embodiment, the focal plane array (14) and the uncooled detectors (12) are disposed on a common substrate.

Abstract: A method (200) for setting up and performing a medical imaging session of a subject using a gamma camera (12, 52) includes selecting (208) an imaging procedure on an input terminal (72). A procedure table (76) is electronically accessed to retrieve at least one of: (1) an identification (210) of a collimator (30) to be used with a detector head (14, 54) in the selected imaging procedure; and (2) an initial imaging position of the detector head (14, 54) for the selected imaging procedure. A currently mounted collimator that is currently attached to the detector head (14, 54) is electronically identified. At least one of: (1) loading (216) the identified collimator onto the detector head (14, 54); and (2) positioning (220) the detector head in the identified initial imaging position, is automatically controlled.

Abstract: A method of avoiding collisions with components of medical diagnostic imaging system includes defining a plurality of imaging system components as wire frame representations having vertices. The objects in the imaging system are defined in a common coordinate system using transform matrices for the imaging system components. An operator initiates movement of the imaging system components and position and motion input signals are provided to a controller. The transform matrices for imaging system components are updated and a final transform is computed in response to the input signals for the imaging system components, the final transform indicative of a position of imaging system components at a predetermined time interval. The final transform is applied to the wire frame representation generating a new position for the wire frame and a determination is made as to whether a collision is occurring between any of the plurality of imaging system components using the new wire frame positions.

Abstract: A system for detecting light intensity including a light sensor for sensing light intensity having a capacitance which varies based on light intensity. The light sensor includes first and second layers forming first and second electrodes and a photosensitive dielectric layer disposed between the first and second electrodes. The photosensitive dielectric layer has a dielectric constant that varies with light intensity such that the sensor has a capacitance representative of light intensity. A controller in communication with the sensor measures the capacitance of the sensor, compares the measured capacitance values to stored capacitance values and generates an output signal based on the comparison. The output signal is configured for use in providing an indication of light intensity.

Abstract: A technique employing volume conductive electrodes for the generation of linear or non-linear electric fields is provided for devices used in charged ion optics. A hollow cylinder of a conductive polymer, which is loaded with conductive carbon particles or inherently conductive, and which is used to improve the performance of a dual stage gridless reflectron. Instrumental resolution measurements comparing a conventional discrete ring reflectron with a hybrid polymeric/discrete ring validate the design.

Abstract: A device for influencing an electron beam, especially a deflector unit for an electron beam lithography machine, comprises a plurality of coil formers (12b) each with a bore (16) defining a passage for the beam and each carrying coils (18, 19) operable to generate magnetic fields for deflecting the path of the beam when passing through the passage. Each former is made of a high-strength ceramic material having a high thermal conductivity and low coefficient of thermal expansion so that, with respect to a given output of heat by the associated coils during quasi-continuous operation for repeated beam deflection during pattern writing, the heat is dissipated at such a rate as to preclude thermal expansion of the coils and thus avoid distortion of the magnetic fields generated by the coils.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods are provided for viewing a pattern of biological material stained with dyes capable of absorbing, scattering or fluorescing light when illuminated by light emitting diodes (LEDs). The system includes a light source containing multiple light source arrays of different LED types emitting light at different wavelengths optimized for detecting specific dyes, a diffuser, a detector or viewer, and optional optical filters to ensure that the only light reaching the detector or viewer is light produced by fluorescence of the various dyes within a specific wavelength band. The optical filters are optional for detecting or viewing absorbance and light scatter. The different arrays of LED types can be selected in any combination during illumination and their intensity is adjustable over a range from 0-100%. A system and method is also provided for comparing patterns for two or more dyes contained in a single material.

Abstract: A stage positioning system including a stationary frame, a slide movable relative to the frame in a first direction, and a support platform connected to the slide and movable therewith in the first direction. The support platform is movably attached to the slide for movement in a second direction generally orthogonal to the first direction. The system will further include a first linear motor containing a first magnet assembly and a first coil device that engages the first magnet assembly to move the slide in the first direction. A second linear will contain a second magnet assembly and a second coil device that engages the second magnet assembly to move the support platform in the second direction. The stage positioning system is particularly suited for positioning an article in electron beam or EUV light lithography systems.