Power Driven Patents (Class 108/20)
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Patent number: 7319815Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stationary support base-plate; a Y-direction moving member supported on the stationary support base-plate to move in a Y-direction; and an X-direction moving member supported on the Y-direction moving member to move in an X-direction orthogonal to the Y-direction. The Y-direction moving member includes a Y-direction rod portion which extends in the Y-direction and an X-direction rod portion connected to the Y-direction rod portion and extends in the X-direction. The stationary support base-plate includes a Y-direction guide device for guiding the Y-direction rod portion of the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the Y-direction, and a Y-direction support device for supporting a free end of the X-direction rod portion so as to allow movement of the X-direction rod portion in the Y-direction. The X-direction moving member is supported by the Y-direction moving member so as to slide in the X-direction.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2005Date of Patent: January 15, 2008Assignee: PENTAX CorporationInventor: Shuzo Seo
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Publication number: 20070283853Abstract: A table structure comprises: a table body having a table plate and a table post; a transmission mounted inside the table post; a platform mounted on the table plate, the platform being connected with the transmission and divided into a plurality of divisions; a plurality of control boxes located on the table plate, the control boxes being connected to a control circuit, the control circuit being connected to the transmission; and a plurality of control buttons mounted inside the control boxes such that the rotation of the platform can be controlled to facilitate the eating of dishes by pressing the control buttons inside the control boxes after the dishes are placed on the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2006Publication date: December 13, 2007Inventor: De-Hong Sun
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Patent number: 7168371Abstract: A stacking table system includes: a first table having a first top, first peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the first top and a plurality of alignment projections extending downwardly from the first peripheral support rails; a second table having a second top, second peripheral support rails extending downwardly from the second top and a plurality of alignment projection receptacles that receive respective alignment projections when the first table is in a stacked position on the second table; and a table hoist having a plurality of cables being selectively attachable to the tables. The first table may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the first table and a stack of the first and second tables may be hoisted upwardly by the hoist when the cables are attached to the second table.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Edward J. Ruff Development, Inc.Inventor: Edward J. Ruff
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Patent number: 7165498Abstract: A vibrating table assembly for an apparatus for filling and weighing bulk bags comprises a bag support table, a vibrating device for vibrating the bag support table, and a lifting device for raising an lowering the bag support table, the lifting device being located below the bag support table. Preferably, the lifting device comprises a convoluted air bellows. Location of the lifting device below the table overcomes problems encountered with known bag filling apparatus where the bag support table and the lifting mechanism are connected to the frame of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Control and Metering LimitedInventors: Don Mackrill, Carmine Cacciacarro, Viren Panchal
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Patent number: 7141969Abstract: An XY platen positioning system includes a fixed base rigidly coupled to a essentially planar surface. An XY intermediate plate is slidably coupled to the fixed base, such that the XY intermediate plate is slidable in the X axis along the fixed base. An XY stage is slidably coupled to the XY intermediate plate, such that the XY stage is slidable in the Y axis along the XY intermediate plate. A platen is flexibly coupled to the XY stage, such that the platen, with respect to the XY stage, is essentially constrained in the X and Y axes and moveable in the Z axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2004Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Guzik Technical EnterprisesInventor: Nahum Guzik
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Patent number: 7105338Abstract: Improvements to turntables that facilitate inoculation of petri dishes. In one embodiment, the present invention is a motorized turntable for a petri dish that allows the user to use both hands for inoculation of the petri dish. In another embodiment, the present invention features an improved upper plate for a petri dish turntable that allows the user to more easily remove the petri dish from the upper plate after inoculation. In another embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for rotating a conventional turntable for petri dishes.Type: GrantFiled: October 2, 2002Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Inventors: Richard Holmes, Richard G. Halstead, Richard G. Malmquist, Douglass M. Nolte
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Patent number: 7100515Abstract: In a device for positioning a tool in a working area wherein two spaced parallel horizontal guide tracks are provided and a guide slide is movably supported by each guide track, a coupler link is supported on each guide slide so as to be pivotable about a vertical pivot joint axis and the coupler links are joined to each other pivotably about another joint having an axis parallel to the vertical pivot joints of the coupler links, and a spindle extends from the other joint of the coupler links in alignment with the axis thereof so as to be linearly adjustable and is provided with a tool. The spindle with the tool is position-adjustable by linear movement of the guide slides along the tracks whereby the tool supported by the coupler links which are longer than the distance between the two guide tracks can cover also areas at opposite sides of the two parallel guide tracks.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2002Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Rohwedder Microtech GmbH & Co. KGInventors: Manfred Burkhard Helm, Jurgen Hesselbach, Lothar Mueller, Holger Schulz, Sven Soetebier, Uwe Waeckerle
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Patent number: 7060990Abstract: A stage base comprises a base body, an elevator, and a shifter. The base body has a bottom face facing a reference surface. The elevator is attached to the base body and operative to move the base body in a vertical direction with respect to the reference surface. The shifter is attached to the elevator. The shifter enables the base body to move along the reference surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: June 13, 2006Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Toshiharu Tanaka, Itsushi Iio, Tsutomu Miyatake
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Patent number: 7025005Abstract: The present disclosure provides a stage device applicable to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. A stage device 10 comprises a Y-axis stage 20 and an X-axis stage 40, the Y-axis stage 20 including a fixed component 21 and a movable component 26 movable along the Y-axis, the X-axis stage 40 including a fixed component 41 and a movable component 43 movable along the X-axis, wherein the fixed component 41 of the X-axis stage 40 is disposed on the movable component 26 of the Y-axis stage 20, the Y-axis is designed as a scanning axis, while the X-axis is designed as a stepping axis, and a non-contact sealing device is arranged between the fixed component 21 and the movable component 26 of the Y-axis stage 20.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2003Date of Patent: April 11, 2006Assignee: Ebara CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Shinozaki, Hirosi Sobukawa, Shoji Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 6983703Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and method for positioning a moveable mass, such as the moveable components found in a typical XY table. The apparatus comprises driving structure producing a driving force to move the mass along an axis, which mass has a variable center of gravity position perpendicular to the axis. The driving force from the driving structure is operative to act through the center of gravity of the mass as the position of the center of gravity changes.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: ASM Technology Singapore PTE LTDInventors: Wen Chen, You Yong Liao
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Patent number: 6966535Abstract: A table assembly that includes a snubber coupled to both a table and a vibration isolator. The snubber limits relative movement between the table and vibration isolator so that the isolator can more quickly damp movement by the table. The snubber reduces the settling time of the table when subjected to shock and/or vibration loads. The snubber may include one or more rollers coupled to an elastomer.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: November 22, 2005Assignee: Newport CorporationInventors: Vyacheslav M. Ryaboy, Worthington B. Houghton, Jr., Herman B. Keil
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Patent number: 6907984Abstract: A motor mounting configuration for a roll out table reduces bearing wear and allows the motor of the roll out table to be quickly removed and reinstalled. A method for retrofitting a roll out table with a motor mount configuration that allows the motor to be quickly removed and reinstalled includes the use of a hold down element. In addition, the retrofit roll out table includes a bearing configuration designed to better withstand the harsh operating environment of the roll out table. Further, the improved roll out table includes a coupling between the motor and the roller shaft that allows for adjustability.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2002Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: The Hannon CompanyInventors: John W. Cespedes, Thomas E. Besco, Steven R. Harper, Jeffery A. Smith, Joseph A. Trescott, Timothy F. Hannon
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Patent number: 6892652Abstract: A self-adjusting, dynamic floating fixture for ultrasonic welding having a base, a nest assembly for supporting a part to be welded, and a plurality of bearing assemblies operably disposed between the base and the nest assembly to permit the nest assembly to move relative to the base to minimize marking and flash damage to the part to be welded.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2002Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Branson Ultrasonics CorporationInventors: Robert Jalbert, William J. Andrews
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Patent number: 6851376Abstract: A pull-down shelf for storage of articles has a lower shelf portion that contains a wind-up mechanism, which can be spring powered or motorized, an overhead mounting plate that attaches to ceiling joists or the like, and at least a pair of cables that are wound onto arbors of the wind-up mechanism for suspending the shelf portion from the overhead mounting plate. Scissors-action stabilizers hold the shelf from tipping or swinging. The user pulls the shelf down, and this unwinds the cables and charges the springs. A releasable ratchet wheel keeps the mechanism from turning in the rewind direction. The user can pull or actuate a release handle or button to release the shelf and let the spring rewind the cables to pull the shelf back to its overhead position.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Inventor: James D'Agostino
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Publication number: 20040187743Abstract: A biaxial linear-revolving guide unit is disclosed, which is comprised of a pair of linear motion guide units each composed of a guide rail and a slider fit over the guide rail, and a revolving bearing installed between the linear motion guide units to joint them for revolving movement relative to one another. The revolving bearing is composed of an outer ring, an inner ring and rolling elements. The inner ring is joined directly to the slider of any one linear motion guide unit while the outer ring is joined directly to the other linear motion guide unit. A table system compact in construction is provided, in which more than one the biaxial linear-revolving guide unit is installed between a moving table and a stationary bed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: NIPPON THOMPSON CO., LTDInventor: Masayuki Kanehira
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Publication number: 20040144288Abstract: A hex-axis horizontal movement dynamic simulator is aimed at Modular Design without hydraulic or pneumatic system but which were conventionally used in the so called Stewart Platform; this dynamic simulator comprises three sets of movement control unit with symmetrical structure located at the positions relative to each other forming three sides of an equilateral triangle, and a load-carrying platform which connected to the three movement control by means of three sets of universal-joint yoke mechanism each relative position located on the load-carrying platform are each other arranged to form as three sides of an equilateral triangle too; with this type of arrangement, this dynamic simulator have a 6-degree of freedom motion when a sets of movement control unit makes different rectilinear motion, the load-carrying platform will generate a combination of spatial translation motion and angular motion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2003Publication date: July 29, 2004Inventor: Johnson Chiang
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Publication number: 20040083929Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for positioning a moveable mass, such as the moveable components found in a typical XY table. The apparatus comprises driving means producing a driving force to move the mass along an axis, which mass has a variable center of gravity position perpendicular to said axis. The driving force from the driving means is operative to act through the center of gravity of the mass as the position of the center of gravity changes.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2002Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: ASM Technology Singapore Pte LtdInventors: Wen Chen, You Yong Liao
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Patent number: 6722289Abstract: A table system with angular position control in which a table is moved accurately over a tiny angle in circular direction to any desired position. The table is supported on a bed for rotation through a crossed-roller bearing. Position control apparatus turns the table over a tiny angle through an arm plate fastened to the table. A nut and screw set cause a linear motion that is in line with a tangent of the table, and the linear motion is translated into a circular motion to turn the table by a first linear motion guide unit to control the linear motion in the tangential direction, and a second linear motion guide unit to control a linear motion in the direction facing the center of the table.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2002Date of Patent: April 20, 2004Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masataka Kato
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Publication number: 20040060482Abstract: The invention concerns a table comprising a base (2), a vertical pillar (4), a horizontal platform (5) provided with a seat (9) and mounted on the pillar, and means for moving the platform relative to the pillar; said means comprise, a first rail (12), secured to the pillar, a second rail (13) parallel to the lower rail, integral with the seat and mobile in translation therewith relative to the first rail, and a carriage (15) mounted freely sliding on the first fixed rail from one end thereof to the other, the second rail being mounted sliding relative to the carriage and thereon; on each rail (12, 13) a shoe is mounted sliding, said shoe being mechanically integral with the carriage (15).Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2003Publication date: April 1, 2004Inventor: Bruno Torcheboeuf
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Patent number: 6681703Abstract: A tiltable table 10 is shown having (in this embodiment) two tilt positions to which top 20 and base 30 are repeatably repositionable. Support parts 32, 34, 36 and 38 provide a kinematic support in both of the two positions. Further embodiments provide more than two tilt positions. Positions are held by magnetic attraction, here, magnets, 40 and 42.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2002Date of Patent: January 27, 2004Assignee: Renishaw PLCInventors: Peter J Wells, David R McMurtry
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Patent number: 6637349Abstract: A motorized picnic table having a drive mechanism, wheels connected to and driven by the drive mechanism, a table mounted above the drive mechanism, and at least one seat adjacent the table. In the preferred embodiment, the seats are bench-type seats and flank the drive mechanism. The motorized table includes fenders covering at least a portion of the wheels to protect the feet and legs of picnickers using the table from the wheels when the table is in motion. A foot platform is provided for picnickers to rest their feet upon. The table has a roof and a roof mounting frame for mounting said roof above said table. The roof may be removable. The motorized table has open sides. The motorized table includes a steering mechanism wherein the steering mechanism can be operated by a picnicker seated on one of the seats. In the preferred embodiment, the steering mechanism extends through an aperture in the picnic table. The drive mechanism has a hydrostatic transmission.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2000Date of Patent: October 28, 2003Inventor: Gregory A. Lafferty
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Publication number: 20030167977Abstract: The present invention provides an adapter table apparatus having sensor function for fixing a work-piece that is used for positioning or centering of compact machine tool, which is attached to an X-Y table, comprises an adapter table including a main body for fixing a work-piece and a member worn to and electrically insulated from the main body directly mountable to the X-Y table, a magnet electrode which electrically contacts a collet chuck at a distal end portion of vertical main spindle of machine tool or an electrode holding member which is fixed to a distal end sleeve of the vertical main spindle and an operating panel that accommodates a circuit for detecting electric contact of first and second contact s, first of which is a conductive surface of the work-piece or a surface of the main body of the adapter table and second of which is a distal end portion of tool or probe for contact detection that is held by the collet chuck by providing a pair of input lines that is in an electrically connected stateType: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2003Publication date: September 11, 2003Inventor: Noriaki Katayama
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Patent number: 6601524Abstract: A translation table that has a spring biased dovetail bearing. The table includes a first element with a dovetail groove and a second element with a dovetail bearing located in the groove. The table further includes one or more springs that press the bearing into the groove. The spring force may be selected to eliminate lateral movement between the first and second elements while minimizing the friction of the bearing. The spring force may be varied by a screw(s) that engages the spring(s).Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2003Assignee: Newport CorporationInventors: Douglas Janata, Mullard A. Nunnally, Michael Francisco
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Publication number: 20030136309Abstract: The present invention provides a stage device applicable to a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. A stage device 10 comprises a Y-axis stage 20 and an X-axis stage 40, said Y-axis stage 20 including a fixed component 21 and a movable component 26 movable along the Y-axis, said X-axis stage 40 including a fixed component 41 and a movable component 43 movable along the X-axis, wherein the fixed component 41 of the X-axis stage 40 is disposed in the movable component 26 side of the Y-axis stage 20, the Y-axis is designed as a scanning axis, while the X-axis is designed as a stepping axis, and a non-contact sealing device is arranged between the fixed component 21 and the movable component 26 of the Y-axis stage 20.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 21, 2003Publication date: July 24, 2003Applicant: EBARA CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroyuki Shinozaki, Hirosi Sobukawa, Shoji Yoshikawa
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Patent number: 6550401Abstract: A reference table tilting mechanism has a reference table which is supported by a plate spring and is adjusted of its angle of inclination by first and second angle adjusting machines constituted by an eccentric cam mechanism. Angles of inclination of the reference table in first and second directions are detected by first and second inclination angle sensors. Based on the detected angles by these sensors, the respective angle adjusting machines are feed-back controlled to make the angle of inclination of the reference table to be a desired one in each direction. Whereby, such a reference table tilting mechanism can be realized that has a simplified structure and a high rigidity, and is manufactured at a low price.Type: GrantFiled: May 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 22, 2003Assignee: Harmonic Drive Systems, Inc.Inventor: Jiro Chiba
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Patent number: 6494005Abstract: An inner leg telescopically fits within an outer leg and includes a motor coaxially mounted to an end remote from the outer leg. A drive screw is coupled to the motor shaft and extends through a drive nut in an axially extending drive nut riser. As the motor rotates the drive screw, the inner leg extends and retracts from the outer leg. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive nut riser is a hollow cylindrical tube extending substantially the length of the outer tube to position the drive nut near the intersection between the inner and outer legs when fully extended. Such an arrangement allows a motor to be coaxially mounted within the inner leg and, therefore, concealed and provides the desired extension and retraction of the legs for adjustment to different operative positions.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2001Date of Patent: December 17, 2002Assignee: Suspa IncorporatedInventor: Dean A. Zimmerman
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Patent number: 6478269Abstract: A longitudinally adjustable leg assembly, comprising a holder (9, 12) which is adapted to be fixed to the underside of a table top (1); first and second elongate carrier elements (2, 3) which are directed away from the holder (9, 12) and cooperate by threaded engagement. The first carrier element (2) is mounted rotatably but axially immovably in the holder (9, 12) and one (2; 3) of the first and second carrier elements (2, 3) having an external thread and the other (3; 2) of the first and second carrier elements (2, 3) being a tube having an internal thread portion at one end in threaded engagement with the external thread. An electric motor is arranged for rotating the first carrier element (2). A device is arranged for interrupting the current to the motor when the leg assembly is in a limit position of maximum or minimum length.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2001Date of Patent: November 12, 2002Assignee: Svenska Kenab Karlshamns ErgonomiInventor: Matts Forsberg
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Publication number: 20020157579Abstract: The invention relates to a turntable (1) for a disc-shaped information carrier (2), such as a DVD, having a central round opening (21). The turntable comprises a centering element (3, 4), which is rotatable about an axis of rotation (7) by means of a driving element. The centering element (3, 4) comprises a fixed centering member (3) having a supporting surface (8) for the information carrier, and a further centering member (4) for final centering of the information carrier, said further centering member being movable in axial direction along the axis of rotation between an upper position, in which the centering member is unloaded, and a lower position, in which the centering member is loaded. An end-centering portion (32) of the movable centering member has the shape of a first truncated cone, which is directed upwards and which has a first apex angle.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2002Publication date: October 31, 2002Inventor: Waltherus Cornelis Jozef Bierhoff
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Patent number: 6462500Abstract: The control system comprises a microphone (7) linked to a receiver block (9) and delivering audio signals to a discriminating block (11) comparing the voice profile of the speaker with a particular authorized speaker profile recorded in a personal chip card (20) of the speaker. The authorized audio signals are then processed in a voice recognition device and an electronic control unit so as to selectively activate one of the actuators (3) of the operating table in response to a specific voice command uttered into the microphone and effected by an effector (16) actuated by the speaker.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2000Date of Patent: October 8, 2002Assignee: AlmInventors: Jean-Marie L′Hegarat, Daniel Bedoure, Philippe Rocher
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Publication number: 20020124777Abstract: An electric structure is designed to adjust the desktop height level of a desk and is formed of a base frame on which two elevation seats are mounted. A desktop is fastened with the elevation seats such that the desktop is moved up and down along with the elevation seats. A pivoting rod is pivoted between the two elevation seats and is provided at two ends thereof with a gear which is engaged with one of two racks mounted on the base frame. The pivoting rod is driven to turn by a motor which is mounted under the desktop and is capable of turning forward or in reverse, so as to enable the desktop to rise or descend.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2001Publication date: September 12, 2002Inventor: Fung-Foang Lag
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Patent number: 6408767Abstract: A suspension system (18) for suspending a stage (14) spaced apart from a stage base (12) is provided herein. The suspension system (18) includes a plurality of spaced apart suspension assemblies (20). Each suspension assembly (20) includes a fluid pad (22) and an adaptable section (24). A bearing fluid (48) is directed from the fluid pad (22) to create a fluid bearing (52) between the fluid pad (22) and the stage base (12). The fluid bearing (52) allows for large displacement, frictionless motion along an X axis, along a Y axis and rotation about a Z axis. The adaptable section (24) secures the fluid pad (22) to the stage (14). The adaptable section (24) allows for relative movement between the fluid pad (22) and the stage (14). More specifically, the adaptable section (24) allows for small displacement, low stiffness motion along the Z axis and rotation about the X axis and the Y axis.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 25, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Mike Binnard, Douglas C. Watson
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Patent number: 6405659Abstract: A stage assembly (10) for moving and positioning one or more objects (24) for an exposure apparatus (28) is provided herein. The stage assembly (10) includes a mounting frame (14) and a stage frame (16). The stage frame (16) includes a holder (50) that retains the object (24). The stage assembly (10) also includes X movers (58A) (58B), Y movers (60A) (60B) and Z movers (62A) (62B) that precisely move the stage frame (16) relative to the mounting frame (16). Uniquely, the stage frame (16) is monolithic. With this design, the resulting stage frame (16) is rigid and has a relatively high servo bandwidth. Further, the movers (58A) (58B) (60A) (60B) (62A) (62B) are positioned to act through a center of gravity (51) of the stage frame (16).Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2000Date of Patent: June 18, 2002Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Andrew J. Hazelton
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Patent number: 6403940Abstract: A turntable drive mechanism in a cooking oven. A driver unit is arranged outside a cooking chamber for rotationally driving a turntable, and a magnetic coupling is arranged between a revolving shaft of the turntable and another revolving shaft of the driver unit. The magnetic coupling is composed of a first coupling member attached to the revolving shaft of the driver unit and having magnets arranged so as to provide a surrounding of the revolving shaft with magnetic poles of alternately different polarities, and a second coupling member attached to the revolving shaft of the turntable and having magnets arranged so as to provide a surrounding of the revolving shaft with magnetic poles of alternately different polarities. The first and second coupling members face each other with a non-magnetic wall portion defining the cooking chamber being sandwiched therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: June 11, 2002Assignee: Fujimak CorporationInventors: Kei Fukushima, Hiroshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 6352037Abstract: A position sensor holder for a powered lift system includes a polymeric member having a mounting surface on one side for attachment to the housing of a lift system and an elongated socket for receiving a magnetically responsive sensor positioned on an opposite side for providing a control signal as a magnet on a movable element of the lift system approaches the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the socket comprises a pair of upwardly extending resilient legs for snap-receiving the sensor and including an undercut for receiving a cover element which covers the sensor and wires extending along the elongated socket coupling the sensor to a control circuit for the lift system.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2000Date of Patent: March 5, 2002Assignee: Suspa IncorporatedInventor: James E. Doyle
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Patent number: 6334398Abstract: A variable gap stop device which can stop the movement of a drive unit, such as a cylinder which moves a chuck on which a semiconductor wafer is secured in a semiconductor processing equipment. The drive unit includes at least one positioning surface. A movable gap stop unit includes at least one stop surface, and in a preferred embodiment may include two or more different stop surfaces each at a different height. A cylinder moves the movable gap stop unit to position at least one of the stop surfaces to be in and out of alignment with the at least one positioning surface of the drive unit. With such a structure and operation, the at least one positioning surface of the drive unit can abut against the variable stop surfaces of the movable gap stop unit. Based on which of the plural stop surfaces the positioning surface of the drive unit abuts against, a height that the drive unit moves the positioning surface can be controlled, e.g.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2000Date of Patent: January 1, 2002Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: James A. Eason, Jr., Tom Hamelin, Marty Kent
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Patent number: 6286441Abstract: A motorized height adjustable table having a support base, a top assembly including a substantially horizontally disposed work surface, and first and second powered drive assemblies for raising and lowering the work surface. The first and second drive assemblies have first and second electric motors and drivingly engage the top assembly for effecting vertical movement of the top assembly to adjust the height of the work surface. A controller is coupled to the first and second drive assemblies for simultaneously controlling the first and second electric motors. The controller senses a relative height displacement between the first and second drive assemblies and de-energizes the motor controlling for the leading drive assembly until the relative difference in height between the first and second drive assemblies is substantially zero.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 1999Date of Patent: September 11, 2001Assignee: Steelcase Development CorporationInventors: Roger D. Burdi, Richard H. Baker, John W. Ooms
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Patent number: 6283041Abstract: On a sample stand having a chip levelling mechanism for amending the exposure plane of a wafer in relation to the image plane of a projection lens, a dynamic damper is provided for assigning to a holder table the appropriate rigidity in the moving direction of the holder table.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 1998Date of Patent: September 4, 2001Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Kazuya Ono
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Patent number: 6276284Abstract: A side-by-side robot workcell includes two tables each of which is movable from a work position to a load position. Linkages are connected to the tables and cause the tables to have a slow speed at the time the tables approach either the load or the work position, and a faster speed in the middle of the movement between the work and load positions.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 1999Date of Patent: August 21, 2001Assignee: Genesis Systems GroupInventors: Fred K. Remley, Jan C. Mangelsen
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Patent number: 6244192Abstract: An XY table provided with an X-axis table (3) supported on a base movably in the X-axis direction, a Y-axis table (12) supported on the base movably in the Y-axis direction, and a top table (20) movable in the X-axis direction together with the Y-axis table (12), and further provided with an armature (6) of a linear motor (5) mounted on an X-axis base (1) supporting the X-axis table (3), a movable element (7) mounted on the back of the X-axis table (3) and opposed to the armature (6), and armature (15) of a linear motor (14) mounted on a Y-axis base (10) supporting the Y-axis table (12), and a movable element (16) mounted on the back of the Y-axis table (12) and opposed to the armature (15). The top table can be positioned with high precision and moved at high acceleration and deceleration.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2000Date of Patent: June 12, 2001Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Yaskawa DenkiInventors: Takeo Suzuki, Tomoharu Takeshita, Ryuichiro Tominaga, Yoshiaki Kubota
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Patent number: 6180923Abstract: The present invention of a spinning tray for oven mainly includes a tray body for placing food. The tray body having a hole at its center for inserting a sensor rod. A spring is disposed underneath the sensor rod, a positioning frame is placed outside the spring and is fixed underneath on the tray body. A lower board of the positioning frame is provided for the spring to be compressed against. A L-shaped stopping bar is extended from the bottom of the sensor rod. A spinning mechanism includes a positioning board, few stand poles are disposed vertically underneath on the tray body for screwing to the positioning board by screws. A main axle goes through the positioning board. The main axle is wrapped around by a spring and is sleeved with a gearing. The main axle engages with the gearing by the elasticity provided by the spring. The gearing is engaged to few gear sets and a spinning blade is activated by a gear wheel. The whole spinning mechanism is covered by a cover and is fixed on the positioning board.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 1999Date of Patent: January 30, 2001Inventor: Po-Han Yang
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Patent number: 6154956Abstract: A method of assembling electronic equipment using a work station which comprises a rotatable work surface, a fixed work surface and a support frame. The rotatable work surface is rotatably mounted to the fixed work surface which is, in turn, mounted to the support frame. The work station includes a locking mechanism positioned between the rotatable work surface and the fixed work surface for adjusting the rotational orientation of the rotatable work surface. The rotatable work surface and the fixed work surface are both made of an electrostatic discharge (ESD) safe material.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 1997Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Micron Electronics, Inc.Inventor: Marcus S. Frohardt
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Patent number: 6157159Abstract: A stage system includes a stage movable along a path, a first driving mechanism for accelerating or decelerating the stage on the basis of a resilience force of a resilient member, a first holding mechanism for holding a resilience force being accumulated through compression of the resilient member of the first driving mechanism, and a second holding mechanism for holding a resilience force being accumulated through extension of the resilient member of the first driving mechanism, wherein resilience energy of the resilient member is used for stage acceleration, which is very effective to prevent large heat generation, and wherein resilient energy accumulated in the resilient member during deceleration is used for subsequent stage acceleration, which is very effective for energy efficiency and for heat generation suppression.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 1999Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Nobushige Korenaga, Shuichi Yabu
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Patent number: 6107615Abstract: A tray driving apparatus for a microwave oven and a microwave oven having the same including a speed changing unit for enhancing the cooking quality by periodically changing the rotational speed of the tray to more evenly radiate a microwave to food. The speed changing means includes a driving gear unit having a plurality of driving gears and mounted to the driving shaft; and a driven gear unit having a plurality of driven gears corresponding to respective driving gears of the driving gear unit, and mounted to the driven shaft. The gears of any one of the driving gear unit and the driven gear unit are portion gears which are gears having gear teeth on respective portions of outer peripheries thereof, the gear teeth of the portion gears are alternately disposed to each other one on another.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: August 22, 2000Assignee: SamSung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Won-woo Choi
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Patent number: 6085670Abstract: A uni-directional tilt mechanism for supporting a robotic arm mechanism or other structures includes a simplified system of two motors for tilting a support platform in one dimension. The uni-directional tilt platforms according to the invention may be stacked to provide a universally tiltable stacked platform system for supporting a robotic arm mechanism. The multi-directional tilt stacked platform system can be used to align a Z-axis of a transferred substrate with cassettes or workstations in which substrate is to be placed by the robot.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2000Assignee: Genmark Automation, Inc.Inventor: Genco Genov, deceased
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Patent number: 6054784Abstract: A positioning device is disclosed. The positioning device has a first part and a second part, the second part further has an object table. The second part may be displaced relative to the first part parallel to the XY-plane and may be rotated about the Z-axis by means of three motors. The motors are Lorentz type motors having a permanent magnet system and an electrical coil system cooperating therewith. The electrical coil systems each have windings which are substantially directed parallel to a main axis of the electrical coil system and perpendicular to the Z-axis. According to the invention, the main axis of each of the three motors encloses an angle of substantially 120.degree. with the main axis of each of the two other motors.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 1998Date of Patent: April 25, 2000Assignee: ASM Lithography B.V.Inventors: Frank B. Sperling, Erik R. Loopstra, Antonius T. A. Peijnenburg
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Patent number: 6028298Abstract: A microwave oven includes a turntable disposed in a cooking chamber. The turntable is seated on rollers which are driven about horizontal axes to rotate the turntable. The rollers are mounted on elements that can be raised and lowered, whereby the turntable is raised and lowered while being rotated. A drive mechanism which raises and lowers the rollers is reversible whereby the turntable is rotated in a first direction while being raised, and in a second direction while being lowered. Position detectors sense when the turntable has reached maximum upper and lower positions for reversing the drive mechanism.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 1996Date of Patent: February 22, 2000Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Ha-Yeong Yang
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Patent number: 5988075Abstract: A swiveling table apparatus comprises a base and a table main body disposed on the base and mounted for swiveling movement about a swivel axis. A driving mechanism includes a servo motor for generating a driving power to swivel the table main body about the swivel axis. A power transmission mechanism transmits the driving power of the servo motor to the table main body.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 1997Date of Patent: November 23, 1999Assignee: Seiko Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Shigehiro Arai, Javad Akbari
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Patent number: 5954986Abstract: A heating apparatus includes a central support axle positioned within a heating chamber of the heating apparatus. The heating apparatus provides both hot-air heating and micro-wave heating. A turntable has a central portion supported by the central support axle so that the turntable is rotated around the central support axle. A driving source is positioned at an upper side of the heating chamber for generating a rotating torque, and a connecting shaft for transmitting the rotating torque generated by the driving source to the turntable is provided in the heating chamber. The turntable has an entirely flat shaped section including a plane on which food products to be heated are mounted. A central portion of the flat shaped section is defined at a concave which is downwardly recessed into the plane and arranged to be fixed to and supported by the central support axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 1998Date of Patent: September 21, 1999Assignee: Fujimak CorporationInventors: Hideki Tsukamoto, Akio Ueoka, Hiroshi Matsuo
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Patent number: 5943915Abstract: The present invention relates to a two-dimensional motion producing apparatus for converting rotation of an input shaft to a two-dimensional motion in an X-direction of an output member and in an Y-direction orthogonal thereto.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 1997Date of Patent: August 31, 1999Assignee: Sankyo Manufacturing Co., Inc.Inventor: Heizaburo Kato
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Patent number: RE39687Abstract: A tray driving apparatus for a microwave oven and a microwave oven having the same including a speed changing unit for enhancing the cooking quality by periodically changing the rotational speed of the tray to more evenly radiate a microwave to food. The speed changing means includes a driving gear unit having a plurality of driving gears and mounted to the driving shaft; and a driven gear unit having a plurality of driven gears corresponding to respective driving gears of the driving gear unit, and mounted to the driven shaft. The gears of any one of the driving gear unit and the driven gear unit are portion gears which are gears having gear teeth on respective portions of outer peripheries thereof, the gear teeth of the portion gears are alternately disposed to each other one on another.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2002Date of Patent: June 12, 2007Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Won-Woo Choi