Abstract: The combined ice chest and bar top forms a temporary station from which the one or more beverages can be prepared and distributed. The combined ice chest and bar top incorporates a pedestal structure, a storage platform, a storage stanchion, and a service platform. The storage platform attaches the pedestal structure to the storage stanchion. The storage stanchion attaches the service platform to the storage platform. The pedestal structure is the inferior structure of the combined ice chest and bar top. The pedestal structure forms the cart structure that allows the combined ice chest and bar top to be rolled into position. The pedestal structure further adjusts the elevation of the storage platform, the storage stanchion, and the service platform relative to a supporting surface.

Abstract: A drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present technology includes a base part, an elastic member, and a movable part. The elastic member is provided in the base part. The movable part includes a latching portion that is latched onto the elastic member and is movable relative to the base part.

Abstract: Apparatus and method estimate a position of a movable stage. The apparatus comprises: a stator comprising 2D array of sensors arranged relative to one another to provide a plurality of stator-Y oriented sensor columns and a plurality of stator-X oriented sensor rows; a movable stage comprising a first Y-magnet array comprising a plurality of first magnetization segments generally linearly elongated in a stage-Y direction, each first magnetization segment having a stage-Y direction length, Lyy, and a magnetization direction generally orthogonal to the stage-Y direction, the magnetization directions of the plurality of first magnetization segments exhibiting a first magnetic spatial period ?x over a stage-X direction width, Wyx, of the first magnet array; and a controller connected to receive information based on an output from each of the sensors and configured to use the information to determine a stator-X direction position of the movable stage.

Abstract: A variable height platform system comprises a tabletop, a frame assembly for supporting the tabletop, a drive mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The drive mechanism is configured to set a height of the frame assembly and the tabletop in an elevated position for use. The sensor is configured to sense position and movement of a user in a predetermined area including an area of the variable height platform system and an area proximate the variable height platform system. The controller is operatively connected to the sensor and drive mechanism. The controller is configured to operate the drive mechanism in response to the sensor sensing the position and movement of the user in the predetermined area.

Abstract: Provided is a three-directional motion decoupling periodic structure for a shaking table container. The periodic structure is formed by sequentially superimposing n periodic structure units, wherein each of the periodic structure units is formed by sequentially superimposing a first side-confining layer, a planar decoupling layer, a second side-confining layer and an elastic layer, wherein n is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; the cross-sectional shapes of the first side-confining layer, the elastic layer, the second side-confining layer and the planar decoupling layer are the same; and the periodic structure is used for implementing three-directional motion decoupling in the operating condition of ground shaking. Further provided is a three-directional motion decoupling container for shaking table test, which is formed by combining the periodic structure, a container base plate and a position-limiting protection door-type frame (3).

Abstract: A positioning system for positioning an object. The positioning system includes a stage, a balance mass and an actuator system. The stage is for holding the object. The actuator system is arranged to drive the stage in a first direction while driving the balance mass in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The stage is moveable in the first direction in a movement range. When the stage is moving in the first direction and is at an end of the movement range, the positioning system is arranged to collide the stage frontally into the balance mass.

Abstract: A cooking appliance includes a bottom plate and a turntable. The bottom plate defines an aperture that receives the turntable such that the turntable is flush-mounted with the bottom plate to provide a floor of a cooking cavity as substantially continuous. A rotary hub engages with an underside of the turntable to transmit rotational motion to the turntable from a motor. The turntable includes a first material and the bottom plate includes a second material.

Abstract: A device for adjusting position of a display screen, the device (400) comprising: a front support (480) for holding the display screen (210); motor means (750, 760, 770) for adjusting the inclination of the front support (480); characterized in that it further comprises: a pair of horizontal infrared (IR) sensors (221, 222) configured to be positioned in parallel to a horizontal axis of the display screen (210); a pair of vertical infrared (IR) sensors (231, 232) configured to be positioned in parallel to a vertical axis of the display screen (210); and a controller (710) configured to measure the intensity of a signal received from a remote control unit (240) by the IR sensors (221, 222, 231, 232), and control the motor means (750, 760, 770) depending on the signal intensity measured by the IR sensors (221, 222, 231, 232).

Abstract: Apparatus and method estimate a position of a movable stage. The apparatus comprises: a stator comprising 2D array of sensors arranged relative to one another to provide a plurality of stator-Y oriented sensor columns and a plurality of stator-X oriented sensor rows; a movable stage comprising a first Y-magnet array comprising a plurality of first magnetization segments generally linearly elongated in a stage-Y direction, each first magnetization segment having a stage-Y direction length, Lyy, and a magnetization direction generally orthogonal to the stage-Y direction, the magnetization directions of the plurality of first magnetization segments exhibiting a first magnetic spatial period ?x over a stage-X direction width, Wyx, of the first magnet array; and a controller connected to receive information based on an output from each of the sensors and configured to use the information to determine a stator-X direction position of the movable stage.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a frame, a support coupled to the tabletop and the frame for supporting the tabletop vertically above the frame, and a powered rotator coupled to the frame. The powered rotator may be configured to move the support and the tabletop horizontally along an arcuate path with respect to a user position. The user position and a center of curvature of the arcuate path may each be disposed away from a forward edge of the tabletop. A method of moving a tabletop of a workstation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A positioning guidance system and method based on guide rails, comprising: a host computer; a guide rail band; a plurality of beacons arranged along the guide rail band; and a receiver array fixedly mounted on a target to be positioned and guided, wherein: the host computer is connected to the guide rail band and the beacons; the beacons are connected to the receiver array; the host computer transmits movement requirements and a list and sequence of beacons to be passed to the receiver array through the beacons; the guide rail band transmits a positioning guidance signal to the receiver array; and the receiver array determines a relative position of the target to be positioned and guided by taking the guide rail band as reference, according to a projection of the guide rail band on the receiver array.

Abstract: A method and system for anonymously associating a workstation user's station control preferences with a workstation, the method comprising the steps of correlating anonymous user IDs with user preference sets in a database, obtaining input from a user at a workstation, comparing the user input to the anonymous user IDs to distinguish one distinguished user from other users without determining the identity of the user, accessing the user preference set associated with the distinguished user and controlling workstation affordances per the accessed user preferences while the user is located within a present zone proximate the workstation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for moving a support plate (2), the support plate (2) being, in a so-called neutral position, substantially parallel to an XY plane defined by a so-called X direction and a so-called Y direction, said system comprising at least two control stages (E1, E2) which are superimposed in a direction Z orthogonal to said X and Y directions, the two control stages (E1, E2) being secured to each other, at least one of said control stages (E1, E2) comprising a control module (M1, M2), the control module (M1, M2) comprising only movement units designed so as to each generate a translational movement in an XY plane, respectively in different directions.

Abstract: The underlying invention in particular is directed to a gas cooktop (1) comprising a cooking area with at least one concentric gas burner (2, 3), wherein at least one of the gas burners (3) of the cooking area is mounted at an off-center position to a platform (4, 7, 16) rotatably attached to the gas cooktop (1) within the cooking area, wherein the platform (4) is mechanically coupled to a drive arrangement in which an actuator is mechanically coupled via a transmission with the platform (4) so as to enable remote actuation of rotation of the rotatable platform (4) via the drive arrangement.

Abstract: A magnet assisted stage system for scanning applications having a scanning table being moveable from a first position to a second position, a scanning actuator operably associated with the scanning table to move the scanning table along a scanning direction from the first position to the second position, and an actively variable magnetic spring system being operably augmented to the scanning table to exert a magnetic repulsion force upon the scanning table in the scanning direction.

Abstract: An imaging system (100) includes a gantry (101) that defines an examination region (106) and a subject support (112). The subject support includes a tabletop (116) that supports an object or subject in the examination region for a scan of the object or subject and a base (114) that supports the tabletop. A support frame (132) supports the base. The base is moveably affixed to the support frame and moves between a plurality of predetermined locations, which are based on corresponding distances from the gantry. A support frame drive system (134) moves the base alternatively to one of the plurality of predetermined locations in response to an input signal indicative of the one of the plurality of predetermined locations, which corresponds to a location of interest for the scan of the object or subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides a positioning device configured to position a glass substrate. The positioning device comprises a support base, a pair of first positioning mechanisms located on two neighboring sides of the glass substrate, a pair of second positioning mechanisms located on another two neighboring sides of the glass substrate, respectively, a pair of connecting bars, a driving member, a gear group and a conveying belt sleeved on the gear group. One end of the one of the pair of connecting bar is fixed with the conveying belt, and another end is fixed with one of the pair of first positioning mechanisms. One end of another one of the pair of connecting bar is fixed with the conveying belt, and another end is fixed with another one of the pair of first positioning mechanisms.

Abstract: A supporting unit is provided. The supporting unit includes a body, an alignment member, at least one sensor, and a controller. The body has a top surface supporting a target object. The alignment member is disposed in the body and adjusts a position of the target object. The sensor senses the position of the target object. The controller controls the alignment member and the sensor member. The alignment member includes a magnet that adjusts the position of the target object according to an electromagnetic force; and a coil that applies the electromagnetic force to the magnet.

Abstract: A drug container is arranged in a horizontal state where a central axis extends along a horizontal direction, and the drug container is rotated about the central axis. In such a way, a drug solution in the drug container is moved along an inner surface of the drug container, and the drug container is reciprocally vibrated along the central axis in a state where the drug container is rotated, to stir the drug solution.

Abstract: A new arcade game utilizes a vacuum pick-up device to pick-up prizes from a protected silo on a moving playing field. The playing field can be a rotating turntable or conveyor belt, and multiple players can play at multiple player stations. The prizes can be lightweight cards, such as gift cards, that are stacked in silos on a platform that can rotate in one or two directions. Each player has a designated vacuum pick-up device that the player can move radially along the turntable so that, as the turntable rotates, each player can access to the entire playing field. If the player has correctly positioned the pick-up device, the pick-up device will lowing directly into a silo where the cards are located. The suction function is triggered, and the pick-up device will extract the gift card.

Abstract: A space saving plate with an integrated napkin dispenser which allows a multitude of patrons to easily share food items at a table. The apparatus includes a napkin dispenser, a holding platform, and a rotation mechanism. The napkin dispenser retains and provides easy access to napkins. The holding platform is a flat vessel, which supports food items, dishes, and other devices that may contain food items. The holding platform is positioned parallel and adjacent to a top surface of the napkin dispenser. The rotation mechanism comprises a stator and rotor, and is positioned in between the napkin dispenser and the holding platform. The stator is adjacently connected to the top surface. The rotor is adjacently connected to the holding platform. The holding platform is concentrically aligned with a rotation axis of the rotation mechanism. The rotor is rotatably engaged to the stator to allow the holding platform to rotate.

Abstract: A serially-connected ball screw pair and piezoelectric actuator macro-micro driving and guiding device includes, from the bottom to the top, a sliding seat (1), a ball screw pair, a sliding table guide rail pairs, a nut seat (6), a piezoelectric actuator (7), a micro-moving table, a nut seat guide rail pairs and a sliding table (1). The axis of a ball screw is symmetric with respect to two sliding table rail pairs, a nut (3) of the ball screw pair is fixedly mounted into the nut seat (6), one end of the piezoelectric actuator (7) is fixedly connected with the nut seat (6) and the other end thereof is fixedly connected with the micro-moving table (8), the axis of the piezoelectric actuator is symmetric relative to two sliding table rail pairs, an upper surface of the micro-moving table is fixedly mounted to a lower surface of the sliding table, and two nut rail pairs are symmetric relative to the axis of the ball screw.

Abstract: A workpiece positioning device (1) includes a first positioning block (Bx) positioning one surface of a workpiece at a first reference surface in a first direction, two second positioning blocks (By1, By2) positioning a different surface of the workpiece at a second reference surface in a second direction, seat blocks (Bz1, Bz2, Bz3) positioning the workpiece in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction, a push cylinder (30) pressing the workpiece in one direction toward an intersection line between the first and the second reference surface, a first unit (10) contacting with the one surface of the workpiece and correcting a posture of the workpiece before the first positioning block contacts with the workpiece, and a second unit (20) contacting with the different surface of the workpiece and correcting the posture of the workpiece before the second positioning blocks contact with the workpiece.

Abstract: A motion control system that includes a base, a stage supported by the base and movable with respect to the base, and a motor coupled to the base and operable to move the stage. The motor includes a mounting base arranged to connect the motor to the base, a friction pad engageable with the stage, and a coupling portion including a first end connected to the mounting base and a second end. The friction pad is connected to the coupling portion between the first end and the second end. A piezoelectric element is disposed between the mounting base and the second end and is operable in response to an electrical signal to move the friction pad and the stage. A mounting screw is accessible from an exterior of the base and engages the coupling portion. The mounting screw is the sole attachment mechanism between the motor and the base.

Abstract: A work insertion device that can be constituted as a small, low-cost device has a structure where a transfer disk having many storage holes formed through its outer periphery part is placed such that its rotation center line is inclined upward to form a sharp angle ? with a vertical line and that some of the many storage holes are positioned in the work storage chamber. The works stored in bulk state in the work storage chamber are directly stored in some of the many storage holes positioned in the work storage chamber by utilizing the intermittent turning of the transfer disk.

Abstract: A servo rotary carrier includes a base, which includes a receiving space formed therein and has a top in which first and second openings that communicate with and between the receiving space and the outside are formed; a rotation unit, which includes a supporting section extending through the first opening of the base and a bearing coupled to the supporting section and having a top to which a first toothed wheel is mounted; a disk, which has a top to which clamping elements are mounted, the first toothed wheel being coupled to a bottom of the disk; and a power transmission unit, which includes a power source and a transmission device coupled to the power source and having a transmission spindle that extends vertically upward through the second opening and includes a second toothed wheel coupled thereto to mate the first toothed wheel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rotating a wheelchair on a motorized rotatable platform comprising providing a motorized rotatable platform comprising a stationary bottom plate and a rotatable top plate supported by a central conical bearing assembly and a circular ring thrust bearing, wherein rotation of the top plate is accomplished by an electric motor/gearbox assembly fastened onto the top plate, driving the wheelchair onto the motorized rotatable platform, anchoring the wheelchair to the top plate and switching electrical power from the wheelchair's electric motor to the electric motor/gearbox assembly, rotating the wheelchair to a desired position using the wheelchair's controls, and disengaging anchoring of the wheelchair and switching electrical power back to the wheelchair's electric motor, and driving the wheelchair off the platform.

Abstract: A linear actuator, especially for telescopic lifting columns (7) comprising a reversible electric motor (16) and a transmission (17) located in a box-shaped housing (14). A Linear movable activation element (18), preferably a spindle unit (19-21) connected to the transmission (17) is secured to the housing (14)). The activation element is intended for moving an adjustable element, e.g. a table top in the structure into which the actuator should be incorporated. The housing (14) is equipped with internal reinforcements (32) for strengthening said housing in its longitudinal direction and possibly also in its transverse direction. Thus a linear actuator with sufficient rigidity for use in sitting/standing tables without cross member is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing an automated workstation elevation position tracking and control scheme. Software running on the user's computer generates reminders and/or to forces an individual to periodically readjust the height of the workstation in a manner that promotes standing while at work. A current position, and an elapsed time that the workstation has been at the current position, is detected with an objective of providing pre-programmed routine or random automated reminders to a user to change the current position of the workstation from one elevation state to the other. The software tracks the percent of time that a user is standing and optionally compares this with a pre-defined goal. Automatic control via the user workstation, of workstation elevator actuators is provided in a manner that makes it easier, or otherwise unavoidable, for the user to initiate repositioning from a sitting to a standing position.

Abstract: A cradle drive mechanism is provided. The cradle drive mechanism includes a drive motor, an intermediate frame and a screw and nut transmission device driven by the drive motor so as to drive linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a rotating, shaft having a first driving wheel and a gear, a transmission belt, and a rack meshed with the gear so that, during linear reciprocating motion of the intermediate frame, the rack forces the gear to rotate and drive rotation of the first driving wheel, wherein rotation of the first driving wheel drives rotation of the transmission belt. The cradle drive mechanism also includes a cradle connector fixed on the transmission belt and configured to connect a cradle and to drive linear reciprocating motion of the cradle.

Abstract: A table or surface which is suspended from a ceiling and fully retractable to be flush with or recessed in the ceiling that can be lowered to serve as the work surface, coffee table or other convenient table. The table is made from lightweight materials and can be raised or lowered using battery power. The circuitry for raising or lowering the table along with the motor and other mechanical elements and the means receiving a user may be located in the table or in a plate attached to the ceiling. When the table is fully raised it is concealed by using decorative means or by recessing it into the ceiling.

Abstract: A linear actuator includes a housing, a rotary unit disposed in the housing, and a screw member driven by the rotary unit. The rotary unit is translatable relative to the housing when the screw member is driven by the rotary unit.

Abstract: A precision tilting platform used for static calibration of seismometers includes a base, a worktable, a rotary part, a driving part, a measuring part and supporting frames. The rotary part includes a shaft, a driving arm, a rotary table and a clump weight. The driving part includes a linear motor, a sliding table, a pair of linear guides and sliders and a grating scale. The readhead of the grating scale is fixed with the base and sends out a signal of zero position when the worktable is horizontal. The sliding table contacts the driving arm. When the linear motor is moving forward, the rotary part rotates toward the positive direction. When the linear motor is moving backward, the rotary part rotates toward the negative direction under gravity of the clump weight. The measuring part includes a laser interferometer and a reflector to obtain the tilting angle of the worktable.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a novel dishwasher-dining table combination appliance having a rotatable, invertible top dining insert panel that allows for cleaning dining utensils and the like without having to remove them from a table.

Abstract: A workstation is disclosed including a tabletop, a powered height adjuster coupled to the tabletop and configured to move the tabletop vertically between at least a first height and a second height, and a powered depth adjuster coupled to the tabletop. The depth adjuster may be configured to automatically move the tabletop horizontally while the height adjuster moves the tabletop between the first height and the second height. Other workstation embodiments with different moveable elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A height-adjustable table that includes a table top having first and second ends and two long sides, and at least one table leg at each end, each table leg including a linear actuator with a rectangular motor housing (21) containing an electric motor and a gear. A spindle unit has an upper end is mounted in an opening in the bottom (26) of a rear end of the motor housing and is connected to the gear. Each table leg also includes a telescopic guide (17) with a fixed member (18) and at least one telescopic member (19,20), the telescopic guide surrounding the spindle unit of the actuator and is with one end connected to the bottom (26) of the motor housing (21). The linear actuator is with the motor housing (21) secured to the table top in such a manner that the motor housing (21) with its rear end (22) faces towards a long side (13) and with its front end (23) faces towards the other long side (14) of the table top.

Abstract: A vertically adjustable platform system includes a lifting tower with a lifting mechanism. A first scissors mechanism is adjacent one face of the tower and a second scissors mechanism is adjacent the other face of the tower. A first platform is disposed on the upper end of the first scissors mechanism and a second platform is disposed on an upper end of the second scissors mechanism. A lifting mechanism has a first lifting element interconnected with the first scissors mechanism or the first platform for moving the first platform vertically. The lifting mechanism has a second lifting element interconnected with the second scissors mechanism or the second platform for moving the second platform vertically.

Abstract: Disclosed are an actively compensated stage including: a guide support having first and second guide surfaces perpendicular to each other; a table having first and second sides opposite the first and second guide surfaces and having air bearings on the first and second sides; a driving linear motor moving the table straight in an x-axial direction; and a plurality of magnetic actuators applying a magnetic preload between the guide support and the table and changing a magnetic force between the guide support and the table to compensate for 5-DOF motion errors generated in the table.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kitchen furniture (1) comprising a counter (2), a housing (3) disposed on the counter (2) suitable for placing the cooktop (C) therein, an opening (4) providing access into the housing (3), a chamber (5) disposed under the counter (2) and near the housing (3), a cover (6) that enters into the chamber (5) in the first position and that covers the opening (4) by coming over the housing (3) in the second position and a movement mechanism (7) that is suitable for moving the cover (6) between the first and second positions and moving the cooktop (C) upwards and downwards inside the housing (3).

Abstract: A manufacturing-process equipment has a platform assembly, a measurement feedback assembly and a laser-working assembly. The platform assembly has a base and a hybrid-moving platform. The base has a mounting frame. The hybrid-moving platform is mounted on the base and has a long-stroke moving stage and a piezo-driven micro-stage. The long-stroke moving stage has a benchmark set and a driving device. The piezo-driven micro-stage is connected to the long-stroke moving stage and has a working platform. The measurement feedback assembly is securely mounted on the platform assembly and has a laser interferometer, a reflecting device and a signal-receiving device. The laser-working assembly is mounted on the platform assembly, is electrically connected to the measurement feedback assembly and has a laser direct-writing head, a controlling interface device and a positioning interface device.

Abstract: A system for unloading inventory items includes an inventory holder, an unloading station, and a mobile drive unit. The inventory holder stores inventory items. The unloading station includes a barrier that is operable to prevent inventory items from moving past the barrier as the inventory holder moves past the barrier. The mobile drive unit is operable to move the inventory holder toward the unloading station and to move the inventory holder past the barrier.

Abstract: A screw and nut assembly includes a movable platform, a first screw and nut set with the first screw rod affixed between two locating members and the first screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a second screw and nut set with the second screw nut pivotally mounted in the movable platform, a driving mechanism for driving first screw nut and said second screw nut simultaneously for causing the first screw nut to create a first speed and the second screw nut to create a second speed slower than and reversed to the first speed, and a first support and a second support respectively affixed to the second screw rod to support and to move with the second screw rod. Thus, the gap between the movable platform and each support is changed subject to movement of the screw nuts.

Abstract: An electrically adjustable piece of furniture, such as a table or armchair comprising at least one actuator and/or lifting column driven by an electric motor for adjustment of the piece of furniture. The adjustment is executed via a control with touch keys. It is characteristic that touch keys are located on the back of an element in the piece of furniture, and that indications for the touch keys are provided on a visible and accessible surface above the touch keys. The touch keys can, however, also be inlayed in an element of the piece of furniture providing possibility for operation from several sides of the element. This provides many variation possibilities for designing the control. Very simply, the indications can merely be painted directly onto the surface, while they, more sophisticatedly, can be inlayed symbols in wood, metal etc., alternatively be a plate mounted on or inlayed in the element.

Abstract: A workplace comprising a piece of furniture comprising a control unit for controlling functions at said workplace, wherein said piece of furniture further comprises an integrated interface for a communicative connection to a mobile device, said integrated interface being connected to said control unit, said integrated interface further being adapted to communicate a user specific identification from said mobile device to said control unit, and said control unit is configured to control said functions at said workplace based on said user specific identification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a height adjustable piece of furniture comprising at least one extendable column, an electric motor adapted for driving the extendable column, at least one switch for operation control of the electric motor, and a power control unit adapted to control the power distribution to the height adjustable piece of furniture, and wherein the power control unit is connected to a power source. The connection between the power source and the height adjustable piece of furniture is provided via the switch, and the switch is in an activated state adapted to connect the power source to the height adjustable piece of furniture, and in a deactivated state adapted to disconnect the power source from the height adjustable piece of furniture. The present invention further relates to a power control unit for control of power distribution to a height adjustable piece of furniture.

Abstract: A rotary table assembly is configured to prevent torsional deformation of a sealing member on an outer peripheral surface of a rotary joint. The rotary joint has a distributor and a center shaft, which includes two hollow cylindrical center shafts respectively inserted into a through hole from opposite front and back surface sides of a rotatable table. The sealing member makes contact with the outer peripheral surface of the hollow cylindrical center shaft positioned near the front surface of the rotatable table. The distributor has a top region that is successively inserted from the back surface side of the rotatable table into the two hollow cylindrical center shafts, and a basal portion secured to a frame.

Abstract: To provide either a facility comprising a plurality of stores that offer food and drink, and that treats customer seating for the plurality of stores as a shared space, or a method of attracting customers to said facility. This facility comprises: a traveling wheeled vehicle, which is capable of carrying customers on a tour of the shared space; and rotating tables. The rotating tables are configured such that tables are positioned upon rotating devices. The rotating devices comprise upper rotating bodies, further comprising central gears which are positioned in the centers of bases. The rotating devices further comprise: drive motors that are capable of rotationally driving the central gears; and casters that support the upper rotating bodies. The traveling wheeled vehicle and the rotating tables are positioned in the shared space.

Abstract: The design of a high precision optical table with two degrees of freedom. The table will be for use with surface optical table applications as well as other engineering experiments. It will provide a surface with rock solid stability and rigidity to support demanding research applications. The flatness of the table is an outstanding <±0.004 inch flatness over two square feet, and is combined with several frequency damping measures both in the work surface and the base of the optical table. Experimental apparatus' mounted on the work surface can be positioned and oriented anywhere in three-dimensional space within the limits of travel via high precision X- and Z-axis motion stages, specifically four jacks, two slides and two free slides.

Abstract: A sample stage device (10) is so configured as to calculate ideal position information xtg(i), tg(i) per predetermined period that is unaffected by drive conditions relating to gaps (25, 26), etc., and to determine, per predetermined cycle and in real time, deviations dx(i), dy(i) between real-time measured positions x(i), y(i) by position detectors comprising laser interferometers (33, 34), etc., and ideal position information xtg(i), tg(i). In addition, it calculates, based on deviations dx(i), dy(i) thus determined, such speed command values vx(i), vy(i) for motors (27, 28) that measured values x(i), y(i) would follow ideal position information xtg(i), tg(i), and performs stable and high-speed positioning control for a sample table (11) through feedback control that controls speed in real time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for moving a support plate (2), the support plate (2) being, in a so-called neutral position, substantially parallel to an XY plane defined by a so-called X direction and a so-called Y direction, said the system comprising at least two control stages (E1, E2) which are superimposed in a direction Z orthogonal to said the X and Y directions, the two control stages (E1, E2) being secured to each other, at least one of said the control stages (E1, E2) comprising a control module (M1, M2), the control module (M1, M2) comprising only movement units designed so as to each generate a translational movement in an XY plane, respectively in different directions.