Means For Dual Position Only Patents (Class 269/73)
  • Publication number: 20020180133
    Abstract: A workpiece to be processed is placed and fixed to an X-Y stage capable of translation motion along X-and Y-axis directions orthogonal to each other. The X-Y stage is moved to a first position. The X-Y stage is approach-run in the X-axis direction and in a negative Y-axis direction and stopped at a second position. The workpiece is processed while the X-Y stage stops at the second position. The process of moving the X-Y stage in the negative Y-axis direction by some distance and processing the workpiece while the X-Y stage stops, is repetitively executed. Even if the regularity of motion of the X-Y stage is disturbed, it is possible to suppress a lowered stage position accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Toru Oshima
  • Patent number: 6446950
    Abstract: In a travelling worktable apparatus including a roller guide unit to guide a travelling table. Deformation of a sample table caused in association with precision of the guide unit such as deviation in precision of rail attachment and precision of rollers is prevented while keeping rigidity of the roller guide. This keeps a fixed distance between a bar mirror unit and a sample on the sample table. For this purpose, the Y table (top table) of the prior art is subdivided into a travelling table to hold the roller guide and a sample table to mount a sample thereon. These tables are fixed by a pin which can be more easily deformed than the tables aid are linked with each other by an elastic body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Mizuochi, Yoshimasa Fukushima, Masami Katsuyama, Toshinori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6375178
    Abstract: A dual cylinder pivotal work piece holding device includes a fixture pivotally mounted on a frame. A crank arm drives the fixture about a pivot axis. First and second cylinders have rods pivotally connected to the crank arm at a drive point offset from the fixture pivot axis. The rods form an oblique angle with each other and a controller is provided for extending and retracting the rods in a coordinated cycle so that at least one of the rods is moving at any instant during rotation of the fixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Genesis Systems Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: Christopher J. Schilb, Jan Christian Mangelsen
  • Patent number: 6350080
    Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is disclosed which allows a single positioning element to be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. The motion module includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface on which a first interconnector is located. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is rotary or linearly positionable with respect to the base The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage, The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable With second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2002
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Khiem Ba Do, David F. Arnone
  • Patent number: 6347442
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a printed circuit board(PCB) flat level compensating unit of a surface mounting apparatus in which when a PCB is stopped at its working position and is firstly pushed up from the lower portion thereof, the PCB is secondly pushed to be raised thereby to be compensated its flat level and the mounting height for the PCB according the thickness is adjusted thereby to be increased a mounting efficient and a precision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2002
    Assignee: Mirae Corporation
    Inventor: Eui Sung Hwang
  • Patent number: 6338477
    Abstract: Stackable dual adjustable vises allow more precise movement of a work piece with the vise in a stationary position. The vises comprise a base vise that is capable of mounting to a work station and has one or more separately adjustable jaws, and a work holding vise that has one or more separately adjustable jaws and is capable of being mounted to the base vise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Bitmoore Vise, an Oregon General Partnership
    Inventor: Richard A. Moore
  • Patent number: 6332604
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a clamping and positioning mechanism for the inclined axis of two-axes rotary tables comprising an annular recessed slot formed along the outer surface of a stationary supporting frame. In this slot, there is installed a piston with a large cross sectional area and a plurality of connecting rods are in connection with the piston. These connecting rods are penetrated through corresponding plurality of respective through holes which are bored through the stationary supporting frame, and are extended until the surface of an axle bush of the inclined axis. There are plurality of double diameter holes opened on the axle bush so as to accept a plurality of double diameter brake members passing through those corresponding double diameter holes and screw combine with the extended ends of the connecting rods respectively. A spring is provided to regularly and elastically pressing against the piston such that the double diameter brake members are under relaxed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Fair Friend Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Yaung Chu
  • Patent number: 6305678
    Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece in a desired orientation for welding or the like during a manufacturing process is provided. The positioner has a generally vertical support column and a generally horizontal boom which is pivotally coupled to a top end of the support column. At a second end of the boom, the positioner has an arm member with a rotatable shaft extending therefrom upon which a workpiece may be mounted. The column is preferably mounted on a turntable such that the positioner may be rotated about a longitudinal axis of the column. In use, the positioner can move a workpiece up, down, left, right and to and fro to change the location of the workpiece. The orientation of the workpiece may also be changed by rotating the workpiece about a longitudinal axis of the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Assignee: Hammersmith Mfg. & Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis L. Hammersmith, Brett Ware
  • Patent number: 6295710
    Abstract: An automatic fastening machine and method which reduces fastener installation cycle time by virtue of unique tool movements, pressure foot operation and other features. The pressure foot plate is coupled to actuators for moving the same in a manner allowing tilting of the plate relative to the plane of the workpiece during movement from one fastener installation location to another. The actuators are independently operated by a servo control arrangement in conjunction with the machine control. As a result, it is not necessary for the system to seek a new down position thereby saving machine cycle time. Sensors operatively associated with the actuators in conjunction with the machine control cause movement of the pressure foot plate in reaction to force applied to the workpiece during fastener installation to maintain the workline established by the position of the workpiece prior to application of force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Assignee: General Electro Mechanical Corporation
    Inventors: Bradly M. Roberts, Robert J. Kellner, Thomas E. Burns, Kurt R. Kubanek
  • Publication number: 20010024008
    Abstract: In a travelling worktable apparatus including a roller guide unit to guide a travelling table. Deformation of a sample table caused in association with precision of the guide unit such as deviation in precision of rail attachment and precision of rollers is prevented while keeping rigidity of the roller guide. This keeps a fixed distance between a bar mirror unit and a sample on the sample table. For this purpose, the Y table (top table) of the prior art is subdivided into a travelling table to hold the roller guide and a sample table to mount a sample thereon. These tables are fixed by a pin which can be more easily deformed than the tables and are linked with each other by an elastic body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaki Mizuochi, Yoshimasa Fukushima, Masami Katsuyama, Toshinori Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 6254075
    Abstract: This invention relates to a table feed mechanism of the machine tool. The table feed mechanism of this invention includes a bed; a table slidably mounted on the bed for mounting a work thereon and for defining a plurality of screw holes therein; a plurality of feed screw shafts engageable with the screw holes respectively; and a drive mechanism for simultaneously driving the feed screw shafts to move the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: Shinnippon Koki Kabushiki Kaisha (Shinnippon Koki Co., Ltd.)
    Inventor: Gaku Kozima
  • Patent number: 6241229
    Abstract: A machine tool for processing of plate-like workpieces (9) includes a machine frame with a work table (8), and a coordinate guide (10) by which the workpiece is movable above the work table (8). A guide rail (11) of the coordinate guide (10) is mounted on the machine frame to be movable in one coordinate direction (y) and movably carries at least one workpiece support (12) in the other coordinate direction (x) The guide rail (11) projects in the direction (x) beyond at least one side of the work table (8) to provide an overhang facing the work table (8) on which is provided a workpiece support. Between the overhang of the guide rail (11) and the machine frame is provided a self-supporting plate 16,17 reinforcing element which is movable with the guide rail (11) to support it on the machine frame against distortion and displacement and its surface provides workpiece support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Trumpf GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Stephan Bundschu, Werner Erlenmaier, Wolfgang Laib
  • Patent number: 6241230
    Abstract: A guide apparatus having a dustproof structure comprises: a linear guide device; an outer cover mounted to the linear guide device so as to cover the linear guide device and provided with an opening, the linear guide device including a movable member having a side lug portions projecting outward through the opening formed to the outer cover and the movable member being movable along the opening; and a sealing structure having a plurality of seal members each in shape of belt and having flexibility. The seal members are applied to edge portions of the opening of the outer cover so as to be overlapped to each other thereby to substantially keep a sealed state inside the linear guide device. The sealed seal members are separated and pushed aside by a guide structure formed to the movable member at a time of the advancing motion thereof with the sealed state inside the linear guide device being substantially maintained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: THK Co., LTD
    Inventor: Takahiro Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 6190047
    Abstract: A base beam for formation of a horizontal and vertical, rod-like framework for use in clamping workpieces to be measured, includes a main body defined by a substantially square cross section and having drawn-in flanks formed centrally with a rib, and a carriage detachably securable on the main body for displacement longitudinally in direction of the main body, with the carriage having at least one side formed with one or more precision bores.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: KOMEG Industrielle Messtechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jürgen Haag, Josef Lauer, Klaus Haage
  • Patent number: 6174102
    Abstract: A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is provided. Thus, a single positioning element can be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. In an embodiment of the invention a motion module is disclosed which includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface and a first interconnector located on the exterior surface. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is positionable with respect to the base. The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage. The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable in releasable frictional engagement with second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Khiem Ba Do, David F. Arnone
  • Patent number: 6131896
    Abstract: An optical assembly workstation includes a principal work surface and a movable work surface arranged above the principal work surface, with the elevated work surface being movable back and forth in at least one axial direction relative to the principal work surface. A frame assembly provides both support and a mechanism for moving the elevated work surface relative to the principal work surface. The movable work surface is either configured to receive an optical work piece, or is itself the optical work piece. The arrangement of a movable work surface over the principal work surface provides flexibility in optical test and optical assembly equipment placement, frees the principal work surface area of clutter, and reduces the probability of inadvertent damage to the optical fibers and optical assemblies being manufactured or tested at the optical assembly workstation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2000
    Assignee: CIENA Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei Csipkes, William Keith Chandler, Michael E. Schollian
  • Patent number: 6109840
    Abstract: The workpiece or pack of printed circuit boards is fitted to a clamping fixture carried by the table and is machined by a machining head; the head and the table being movable with respect to each other along two coordinate X, Y axes. The aligning method includes the steps of providing the pack with two locating holes; fitting the pack to the fixture; determining the distances between the real positions of the holes and two reference positions; and moving the pack on the fixture to eliminate the distances. The aligning device has an optoelectronic sensor carried by the head to determine the real position of each hole; and a number of motors controlled on the basis of the real position of each hole to move a locating member for locating a first pin on the pack, and to move one bar of a pair of bars for clamping the other pin on the pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Borgotec Technologie per l'Automazione S.P.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Raiteri
  • Patent number: 6082010
    Abstract: A stage apparatus having a rotary table and a method of operating the same are provided. The stage apparatus includes a base, a stage which is rectilinearly movable on the upper surface of the base, and a rotary table which is rotatable on the stage and on which a workpiece is to be placed. Therefore, a larger workpiece can be effectively manufactured using the stage apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Samsung Aerospace Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hyung-seok Lee
  • Patent number: 6042097
    Abstract: An apparatus for precisely, speedy positioning a table on which a work piece is mounted. The apparatus has a moving mechanism in which a linear motion rolling guide unit is employed to convert the horizontal movement of a moving body by a linear motor to the vertical movement. Upon the moving body being horizontally moved with respect to the bed along first track rails through first sliding elements by mean of the linear motor, the working table moves vertically by the action of a second sliding element which moves along a second track rail on an inclined plane of the moving body. The vertical movement of the working table is controlled through third sliding elements so as to be guided along third track rails secured to a cylindrical member on the bed. The working table may make the vertical movement relative to the bed with high accuracy and high speed, irrespectively of loads variable in acting direction and magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kikuo Ikawa, Yukio Yoshioka
  • Patent number: 5984291
    Abstract: A mounting support device allows workpieces to be attached at points intermediate between discrete positions of fixture bases of machine tools. The mounting support device has three support members. A lower support member is slidably attached to an intermediate member allowing the intermediate member to move along an x-axis. An upper support member is slidably attached to the intermediate member allowing the upper member to move along a z-axis. A jig for holding a workpiece is connected to the upper member. The lower support member is attached to the fixture base in a discrete location in the usual way. Thus, the jig holding the workpiece can be positioned intermediately between discrete mounting positions of the fixture base. The sliding attachments maintain precise alignment between the support members and can be secured after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imao Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Iwata, Toshiya Sato
  • Patent number: 5970597
    Abstract: According to a precision assembly technique, a first subassembly is precisely aligned relative to a plurality of alignment features in an alignment fixture and at least three non-coplanar flexures having complementary alignment features are located with respect to corresponding alignment features on the alignment fixture and mechanically attached to the first subassembly. The first subassembly with the attached flexure sheets is removed from the alignment fixture and located with respect to a second subassembly having a plurality of alignment features identical to the alignment features in the alignment fixture using the alignment features on the second subassembly and the complementary alignment features on the flexure sheets to precisely align the first subassembly with the complementary alignment features on the second subassembly. The flexure sheets are then mechanically attached to the second subassembly, whereby the first and second subassemblies are aligned and rigidly connected to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Mark D. Bedzyk, Douglass L. Blanding
  • Patent number: 5904346
    Abstract: A device for finely adjusting stop members, locating bolts, contoured fitting pieces or adapters and similar components on chucking devices, particularly for measuring machines and machine tools, includes a base member to be fastened to the chucking device and a tightening screw. A first guide member which is adjustable in the axial direction of the tightening screw is mounted on the base member. A second guide member mounted on the first guide member is adjustable transversely of the axial direction of the tightening screw. Mounted on the second guide member is an end member which is adjustable in the adjusting plane of the second guide member but transversely of the adjusting direction of the second guide member. The tightening screw extends through bores formed in the base member, the first and second guide members and the end member which are arranged one on top of the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1999
    Assignee: Horst Witte Entwicklungs- und Vertriebs-KG
    Inventor: Andreas Witte
  • Patent number: 5881603
    Abstract: A transfer unit for moving an object vertically, horizontally or rotationally has a drive mechanism installed on a horizontal bed, with a transfer portion mounted on the drive mechanism. The transfer portion includes a vertically disposed rotatable threaded shaft which cooperates with a nut mounted thereon to provide a vertical movement component for the transfer portion. A workpiece receiver mounted on top of the transfer portion is rotatable about a vertical axis. Motors are provided for rotating the nut and the workpiece receiver, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Nawaseikiseisakushi Corporation
    Inventor: Masatoshi Kitamura
  • Patent number: 5830048
    Abstract: A tool and method for holding an integrated circuit (IC) sample so that only a cross-section of the processed layers of the sample is polished and exposed. The tool includes (a) a mounting block with a recess, (b) a pivoting member pivotably attached in the recess so as to be pivotable between a first position at which an edge of the sample can be ground at a first angle of approximately 25.degree. and a second position at which the sample can be polished at a second angle of approximately 0.degree. to expose the cross-section of the processed layer without polishing the more resistant substrate, (c) a sample holder removably attached to the pivoting member with a face inclined at the first angle for attachment of the sample, and (d) a level corrector for adjusting a side-to-side tilt of the mounting block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Harris Corporation
    Inventor: Ray R. Wurzbacher
  • Patent number: 5815246
    Abstract: A positioning device with a base and a displaceable unit which is displaceable relative to the base parallel to an X-direction and parallel to a Y-direction by means of an X-actuator and a Y-actuator. The X-actuator and the Y-actuator each have a first part which is coupled to the displaceable unit, seen parallel to the X-direction and Y-direction, respectively, and a second part which is coupled to a common balancing unit, seen parallel to the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively, which balancing unit is displaceably guided parallel to the X-direction and to the Y-direction along a guide which extends parallel to the X-direction and the Y-direction and which is fastened to the base. During operation the first parts of the X-actuator and the Y-actuator exert on the second parts reaction forces which are directed parallel to the X-direction and to the Y-direction, respectively, whereby the common balancing unit is displaced parallel to the X-direction and the Y-direction, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 29, 1998
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventors: Frank B. Sperling, Henricus W. A. Janssen
  • Patent number: 5810342
    Abstract: A table apparatus for a machine tool for moving a table along a guide member by a driving mechanism, feeding of the table being controlled by a feedback scale in cooperation with the driving mechanism, the feedback scale having a scale portion and a detecting portion, with opposed vicinal surfaces for accepting the feedback scale defined on the guide member and the table, respectively, the scale portion of the feedback scale being mounted on one of the surfaces, while the detecting portion is mounted on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Kitamura Machinery Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Akihiro Kitamura, Katsuji Taniguchi, Kousaku Kitamura, Shigeru Yamada, Takashi Saitou
  • Patent number: 5812310
    Abstract: A high accuracy, orthogonal motion stage for microscopes and the like uses three frames for orthogonal motion. The lower most frame has provided thereon a series of downwardly depending ramps. An actuator plate having correspondingly positioned, upwardly directed ramps is translated with respect to the lower most frame to raise and lower the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Applied Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: John P. Stewart, Thurmond R. Smith, Gary M. Gunderson
  • Patent number: 5716043
    Abstract: A mounting support device allows workpieces to be attached at points intermediate between discrete positions of fixture bases of machine tools. The mounting support device has three support members. A lower support member is slidably attached to an intermediate member allowing the intermediate member to move along an x-axis. An upper support member is slidably attached to the intermediate member allowing the upper member to move along a z-axis. A jig for holding a workpiece is connected to the upper member. The lower support member is attached to the fixture base in a discrete location in the usual way. Thus, the jig holding the workpiece can be positioned intermediately between discrete mounting positions of the fixture base. The sliding attachments maintain precise alignment between the support members and can be secured after adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1998
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Imao Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuhide Iwata, Toshiya Sato
  • Patent number: 5699602
    Abstract: An apparatus adjusts the position of a machining unit on a chip carrier maker. The machining unit machines a tape consisting of a row of interconnected chip carriers which are integrally formed with each other. The maker includes a stationary machine frame. The apparatus includes a longitudinal adjustment unit being capable of moving the machining unit in a direction parallel to the tape, and a transverse adjustment unit being capable of moving the machining unit in a direction perpendicular to the tape. The apparatus further includes two parallel sliding rails fixed on the machine frame and extending in a direction parallel to the tape, and a receiving seat mounted slidably on the sliding rails so as to guide the receiving seat to slide along the sliding rails when the longitudinal adjustment unit is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: Smooth Ocean Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hua-Shan Hsu
  • Patent number: 5669600
    Abstract: An X-Y table produces no dust and maintains a high positioning accuracy. Slide blocks are slidably mounted on an x-axis bar guide and a y-axis bar guide through air bearings. They are moved along the respective bar guides by linear motors. A sub-bar guide is fixed to one end of the slide block supported on the x-axis bar guide. It extends through a hole formed in a stage to slidably support the stage through an air bearing. Another sub-bar guide has its one end fixed to the stage and extends through a hole formed in the slide block supported on the y-axis bar guide to slidably support it through an air bearing. The x-axis motor has a yoke having a top surface opposite the bottom surface of the stage. Permanent magnets provided on the bottom surface of the stage attracts the top surface of the yoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventor: Manabu Okada
  • Patent number: 5660381
    Abstract: A device to simply control a position and an amount of rotation of a carrier and to prevent a decrease of the control accuracy upon thermal expansion of the carrier. On a base (15), a carrier (16) is slidably and at the same time rotatably supported. The carrier (16) has arms (41, 42 and 43) which are driven by a respective drive element (21, 22 and 23) for each of three axes (X, X', and Y). The drive elements of each axis (21, 22, 23) are the same distance from a reference axis which functions as the center of rotation of the carrier (16). When the carrier (16) moves in the X direction, by means of the drive elements (21 and 22), two of the arms (41 and 42) are moved by the same amount. For movement in the Y direction, the third arm (43) is moved by the third of the drive elements (23). When the carrier (16) is turned, the drive elements (21, 22 and 23) move all of the arms (41, 42 and 43) the same amount in the direction in which the carrier is turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Ushiodenki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Shigeru Suzuki
  • Patent number: 5625198
    Abstract: A positioning apparatus performs positioning of a second movable member relative to a first stationary member in respect of two (X and Y) directions perpendicular to each other. A first optical sensor detects a predetermined position of the second member relative to the first member in respect of the X direction. The first optical sensor has a light projector and a light receiver separately arranged on the first and second members such that they are opposed to each other in the Y direction, when the second member is in the predetermined position in respect of the X direction. A second optical sensor detects a predetermined position of the second member relative to the first member in respect of the Y direction. The second optical sensor has a light projector and a light receiver separately arranged on the first and second members such that they are opposed to each other in the X direction, when the second member is in the predetermined position in respect of the Y direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Noboru Chigira
  • Patent number: 5566584
    Abstract: An improved flexure support for a movable wafer or mask holders in photolithographic projection machines, comprising a long slender wire extending between the positioning device and the holder along the X or Y axis so as to constrain the holder to move along the axis while permitting substantial freedom of movement of the holder in a direction perpendicular to the wire by flexing, a bracket housing attached either to the holder or the positioning device with a hollow cavity filled with elastomeric material, and a plate in the cavity and attached to one end of the wire, to permit limited movement of the holder along the axis while it is being restrained against such movement by the positioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Assignee: Beta Squared, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Briganti
  • Patent number: 5551795
    Abstract: In a tool holder support assembly, a horizontal slide member connects to a machinery table with a T-slot connection, and a vertical support post connects to the slide member with a sliding dovetail joint. The slide member and post are fixed together by a wedge that extends from the post and presses transversely against a sloped surface of a dovetail protrusion on the sliding member, when a bolt is rotated. The slide member is fixed to the machining table by engaging a nut located in the T-slot with a bolt passed through the slide member. Alignment is provided between the machining table and slide member by abutting external surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Inventor: Eddy Engibarov
  • Patent number: 5524562
    Abstract: A movable table apparatus includes a table in the form of a quadrilateral with four sides with two pairs perpendicular to each other, a pair of first fixed guide rails corresponding to the first pair of sides, and a pair of second movable guide rails corresponding to the second pair of sides. The table is adapted for movement in X and Y directions and is fabricated at a low overall height so that the apparatus may be lightweight and compact, thus requiring fewer parts and affording ready assembly. A work clamp support arm with a work clamp is rigidly mounted on a pair of the second and movable guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Juki Corporation
    Inventors: Shoichi Shibuya, Takayuki Shiina, You Oda, Tadayoshi Minakawa
  • Patent number: 5523941
    Abstract: An improved X-Y-.theta. positioning mechanism or stage having a rectangular platform (2) upon which a workpiece to be moved is placed. The platform is positioned by bearings (6a, 6b), which ride along its edges. In the preferred embodiment, the bearings are mounted to the ends of perpendicularly overlapping tracks (8x, 8y). The tracks are linearly movable via corresponding forcing elements or motor coils (10x, 10y). The forcing elements are fixedly mounted to a main structure (14), to dissipate heat efficiently. Also in the preferred embodiment, positioning feedback for the stage includes an X-Y scale (4). Position sensors (12a, 12b) are mounted fixedly to the main structure directly under the X-Y scale. .theta. rotation is achieved when two tracks are used for the same X or Y axis, so that the platform rotates as these two tracks are positioned slightly offset from one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventors: Gary L. Burton, Paul J. Burton
  • Patent number: 5518550
    Abstract: An X-stage is moved in an X direction (horizontal direction), and a Y-stage is moved in a Y direction (vertical direction) by linear motors. The gravitational force of the Y-stage is canceled out by a constant tension spring. Tensile force irregularity in the constant tension spring is measured in advance and stored in a tensile force irregularity compensation table. The tensile force irregularity is canceled out when a controller controls an auxiliary motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Nobusige Korenaga, Masamichi Saito
  • Patent number: 5489089
    Abstract: An automatic alignment vise capable of automatically precisely positioning a workpiece to be machined. The vise can provide precise three dimensional positioning in response to data signals provided by a robotic device, a vertical milling machine or other machining device. The vise allows precise machining of all faces of the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Ohio Northern University
    Inventors: Kris Vollrath, Shane Bendele, Chris Recker, Chad Weaver, Eric McWhorter, Jamie Cree, Adam Park, Kirby Harder, Sean Jeric, Michael Vaughn, Charles A. Shearrow
  • Patent number: 5413523
    Abstract: A grinding machine includes a working table slidably engaged on the base, an opening is formed in the base, a belt is extended through the opening, a rotating wheel is coupled to the belt for driving the belt, another belt is extended between the working table and the base and includes two ends in which one is fixed to the working table and the other is fixed to a block, a bolt is engaged with the working and one of the blocks for moving the blocks toward each other or away from each other so as to adjust the tension of the belt. The belts are shielded by the working table and will not be splashed by cooling oil used in the grinding machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Inventor: A-Po Tsai
  • Patent number: 5400674
    Abstract: A precision component mounting and positioning apparatus comprises a frame member and a stage member suspended in the frame member. The frame member is adapted to be mounted on a support surface, and the stage member is adapted to receive a precision component, typically a precision optical component such as an optical fiber or waveguide. The stage member can be positionally adjusted relative to the frame member in five degrees of freedom. Three axially oriented actuators are grounded in the frame member to provide for selectively rotating the stage member about two orthogonally disposed transverse axes relative to the frame member as well as for axially translating the stage member relative to the frame member. A pair of orthogonally opposed transverse actuators are grounded in the frame member and oriented to provide for transverse translation of the stage member relative to the frame member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 28, 1995
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: David F. Arnone, Francis S. Luecke
  • Patent number: 5337685
    Abstract: An apparatus for increasing the range of movement of a clamp assembly of a sewing machine in two directions, one being opposite the other. The apparatus generally comprises a first tripping member interconnected and movable with the clamp assembly of the sewing machine and having a first tripping portion which is engageable with a first limit switch of the sewing machine. A second tripping member is interconnected with the first tripping member and has a second tripping portion which is engageable with the second limit switch. Generally, the second tripping member is movable relative to the first tripping member between first and second positions. The first position corresponds with the second tripping portion being positioned within a tripping zone for tripping the second limit switch, and the second position corresponds with the second tripping portion being positioned out of the tripping zone such that the first and not the second tripping member will trip the first limit switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Ralph's Industrial Sewing Machine Company
    Inventor: Paul Badillo
  • Patent number: 5301933
    Abstract: A moving device includes a moving table for mounting an object thereon and for moving the object, a guiding mechanism for regulating the movement of the moving table, a driving mechanism for generating a force to move the moving table, and a transmission mechanism for transmitting the driving force to the moving table. The transmission mechanism includes at least one set of parallel leaf springs having an oscillation-damping material disposed therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuru Inoue
  • Patent number: 5303035
    Abstract: A micropositioner has a platform supported on balls positioned by inclined planes machined on plungers. The plungers are adjustable in horizontal bores in a frame which has a vertical portion with adjusting screws for horizontal positioning of the platform and rotation about a vertical axis. The micropositioner provides four degrees of freedom with four adjustable screws in one embodiment, five degrees of freedom in an alternative embodiment, and six degrees of freedom in yet another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 12, 1994
    Assignee: New Focus, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis S. Luecke, David F. Arnone
  • Patent number: 5224377
    Abstract: A test system providing a very rigid support for gear testing, having a pair of spaced apart generally parallel plates that are connected together. Each of the plates has an actuator section for operation against a flange of a gear mounting carriage positioned between the plates to control the gear position relative to the plates. Three actuators are spaced around the axis of the gear mounting housing so that control of the housing in at least three degrees of freedom can be achieved. Additional actuators control the positioning of the housing in direction parallel to the spaced apart plates and such actuators are mounted between the plates for increasing rigidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Assignee: GEI Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yevsey Gutman
  • Patent number: 5219389
    Abstract: A gear suspension system is disclosed that permits movement of a gear, such as a spiral bevel or hypoid gear relative to its pinion with up to four degrees of freedom. Specifically, the gear suspension system includes a support frame with a movable carriage mounted thereon. The carriage includes a lower carriage member connected to an upper carriage member with suspension struts. The gear is mounted to the upper carriage member for rotation about a central axis. Actuators connected to the lower carriage member adjust the gear mounting distance and the shaft angle between the pinion and the gear, while actuators mounted to the upper carriage member adjust the H and V positions of the pinion relative to the gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignee: Gei Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Yevsey Gutman
  • Patent number: 5217214
    Abstract: A positioning table assembly includes a table slidably mounted on a pair of guide rails. The table is divided into a central section and a peripheral section which are connected through a connecting section. A traction shaft of a drive motor extends through a center slot formed in the central section. A piezoelectric device is mounted on the table to displace the central section relative to the peripheral section. When the piezoelectric device is energized, the central section is displaced to establish a frictional contact between the traction shaft in rotation and the central section so that the table may move in either direction depending on the direction of rotation of the traction shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Takei
  • Patent number: 5207115
    Abstract: An X-Y drive apparatus suitable for use in positioning an electronic component or the like at a desired position, such as a mounting position of a printed circuit board, is provided. Each of X and Y table units includes an elongated housing provided with a pair of stationary pulleys at its opposite ends and a table provided with a pair of moving pulleys. A pair of brackets is also mounted on the housing, each located between one of the stationary pulleys and a corresponding one of the moving pulleys. A belt, having its one end fixedly attached to one of the brackets, extends first around one of the moving pulleys, then around each of the stationary pulleys, and then around the remaining moving pulleys with its remaining end fixedly attached to the remaining bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Nippon Thompson Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Seiji Takei
  • Patent number: 5207542
    Abstract: A fixture arrangement for supporting a plurality of different sizes of workpieces on a table relative to a metal working tool includes an equalizing device, a stop arrangement and a clamping device. The equalizing device positions the workpiece longitudinally on the table, the stop arrangement determines the longitudinal position of the workpiece on the table, and the clamping device secures the workpiece to the table. A guide arrangement guides movement of the equalizing device on the table along the transverse path and a latch device selectively maintains the equalizing device from guided transverse movement. The stop arrangement is connected to an elongated frame of the equalizing device, movable transversely with the equalizing device, and adjustable relative to the elongated frame in the transverse directions. The fixture arrangement is particularly suited for use on a metal working machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1993
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: John B. Baldwin
  • Patent number: 5171002
    Abstract: An apparatus for use on a machine tool having a table movable along a rail disposed in a way. The apparatus includes a way cover and a rail engaging coupling. The way cover includes a top and first and second opposing way side walls extending generally downwardly. The rail engaging coupling includes bearing means and a housing portion housing the bearing means. First and second legs extend from opposite sides of the housing portion and are attached to the table top of the table at distal ends. The legs extend from the housing portion under the way cover side walls to movably connect the table top with the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Laser Machining, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald P. Herke, Jerrol J. Van Houten, Timothy J. Gamboni
  • Patent number: 5170678
    Abstract: An index table structure and method of indexing where the index table structure includes a table top which is angularly rotatable and has a plurality of cam members around the periphery thereof with each including radially outwardly opening cam recess having a bust locating surface for defining a precisely located indexed position of the table top, a dual motor brake structure for driving the table top between angularly separated indexed positions, a shot pin positioned adjacent the periphery of the table top and having a second locating surface adapted to mate with the first locating surface of the cam recess to locate the indexed table top in a precisely indexed position, a fluid cushion structure for providing a fluid cushion for the table top during rotation; in indexing the table top it is rotated in one direction whereby the shot pin is cam actuated into one of the cam recesses to approximately locate the table top in an indexed position and subsequently the table top is rotated in the opposite directio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Walter W. Wawrzyniak
    Inventors: Walter W. Wawrzyniak, Richard Habarth