Abstract: An apparatus and method for surface profile measurements of large samples. The sample is held by a stationary chuck, while a four-axis (X, Y, Z and theta axis) positioning assembly manipulates and positions an overhead scan assembly and measurement stylus to perform the profilometry. To observe the sample surface in the vicinity of the measurement stylus, an illumination and imaging capability is also provided. Backlash and error are reduced in the Z axis assembly through use of cams and cam followers, and in the scan assembly through use of multiple tensioned wires, with low-friction sliding elements. The apparatus reduces vibration and supports heavy (up to 400 kg) samples while allowing accurate profile measurements.

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: A component support and mechanization machine, which is comprised of a set of units U.1 to U.n, each of which comprises a collection of arcs that form continuous arc-shaped trajectories along which may be moved a series of telescoping columns, equipped with workheads with double hinge joints and capacitative sensors. The arcs of each unit are mounted on rails and the different units U.1 to U.n are placed on main rails.

Abstract: A probepin-adjusting jig for adjusting probepins of a probecard. The probepin-adjusting jig includes a base, a first slider, a second slider and a needle. The first slider sits on the base to move in a first direction. The second slider sits on the first slider to move in a second direction. The needle is mounted in the second slider to adjust the probepins of the probecard.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of a holder for a tool or a workpiece has a frame and drive units connected to the frame. Rods connect the drive units to the holder. At least one load-free measuring arm is freely extendable between two measuring points. Elements for detecting a position of the at least one measuring arm within a reference space are provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic motor generates thrust using Lorentz's forces, and is capable of providing a high thrust and high efficiency by generating high magnetic density, and does not affect magnets with a demagnetization field, thus preventing burning of the magnets. The electromagnetic motor includes a plurality of magnets in which same poles of adjacent magnets are opposed to each other. The plurality of magnets are aligned in one direction at a specified pitch P. A pole unit has a plurality of yokes that are interposed between the plurality of magnets and aligned in one direction with the pitch P. Armature coils are opposed to and spaced from the pole unit, and are surrounded by a space equal to the pitch P. A thrust generator has cores that anchor the armature coils so that they are aligned in one direction.

Abstract: A guide rail has two roller running surfaces and two ball running grooves. A movable block has a horizontal member facing the upper surface of the guide rail and wing members respectively facing the side surfaces of the guide rail. The horizontal member has on its under surface two roller running counter-surfaces corresponding to the two roller running surfaces of the guide rail. Each of the wing members has on its inner surface two ball running counter-grooves corresponding to the two ball running grooves of the guide rail. Two trains of rollers are arranged between the two roller running surfaces and the two roller running counter-surfaces, respectively, so as to be rollable. Two trains of balls are arranged between the two ball running grooves and the two ball running counter-grooves, in each of gaps between the side surfaces of the guide rail and the inner surfaces of the wing members, so as to be rollable.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring thickness and a method therefor are disclosed, in which the precision is improved, the measuring time is shortened, the reliability is upgraded, and the flatness of thickness also can be precisely measured. The apparatus for measuring thickness according to the present invention includes a test piece retaining part for retaining a test piece and for moving it along X, Y and Z axes. The apparatus further includes a sensing part having a sensor retaining part for retaining an upper sensor, and having a test piece retaining part supporting table for supporting the test piece retaining part and having a lower sensor fixed thereon. The test piece retaining part includes: an X axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of X axis, a Y axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of Y axis, and a Z axis carrying part capable of moving in the direction of Z axis.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus includes a movable stage, a first linear motor for moving the stage in a predetermined direction, a platform for supporting the first linear motor, and an inertial force application mechanism for applying a force for canceling a force acting on the platform, which is generated when the stage is moved by the first linear motor. The inertial force application mechanism includes amass body, a guide for supporting and guiding the mass body, a second linear motor for moving the mass body, and a controller for controlling the second linear motor. Since the inertial force application mechanism of the positioning apparatus prevents transmission of vibration generated by an increase in an exciting force of the stage, rapid and precise positioning can be performed.

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: An apparatus based on precision X-Y stages that are stacked. Attached to arms projecting from each X-Y stage are a set of two axis gimbals. Attached to the gimbals is a rod, which provides motion along the axis of the rod and rotation around its axis. A dual-planar apparatus that provides six degrees of freedom of motion precise to within microns of motion.

Abstract: An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of magnets in columns and rows. When a traditional rectangular pattern of the magnets is provided, a packing density and average peak magnetic flux intercepted by the coils are limited to 50%. The present invention provides magnet configurations that provide greater than 50% maximum peak flux density and up to 100% packing density. Several magnet arrangements are provided: a first in which round magnets are used instead of square, and a second in which diamond shaped magnets are used. The latter can be used at 100% packing density arrangement. In addition to high peak flux density for a narrow coil, these embodiments exhibit low cogging forces. A method of making the magnet is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetic positioner is provided which is capable of providing long travel in two dimension and short travel in the remaining four dimensions. The positioner has a movable stage and a stator oriented adjacent and substantially parallel to this stage. At least three sets of first magnetic elements, which for preferred embodiments are winding sets capable of generating forces in two directions, are on the portion of the stator adjacent to the stage at any given time, and at least two second magnetic elements, which are magnet arrays for the preferred embodiment, are on the stage adjacent to the stator. At least one of the second magnetic elements overlaps multiple first magnetic elements for all positions of the stage relative to the stator, with one magnet overlapping multiple windings for one preferred embodiment of the invention and two magnets on the stage overlapping multiple windings on the stator for a second embodiment.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making coordinate measurements on a workpiece on a machine tool. In this method, the workpiece 25 remains on the machine tool during the measuring operation and is scanned via a measuring arm of a coordinate measuring apparatus 31 set up next to the machine tool 21. The coordinate measuring apparatus 31 has its own measuring system for detecting the movements of the measurement arm 34 or of the probe 35 attached to the measuring arm. It is not absolutely necessary that the coordinate measuring apparatus 21 have its own drives or that it has its own CNC-control because the measurement arm or the probe head can be guided or moved with the aid of an entrainment device 27 by the drives of the machine tool 21.

Abstract: A computer interface includes an input device and display connected to a CPU. The input device generally comprises a mouse movable along an X-axis or Y-axis, resulting in a corresponding movement of a cursor on the display. A pair of motors impart a force upon the mouse along the X-axis and the Y-axis. The motors provide force feedback based upon movement of the mouse and based upon interaction of the cursor with objects displayed on the display.

Abstract: A device for converting a mechanical deflection into a corresponding electrical variable which can be used to produce deflection. A cost-effective, energy-saving and good-resolution position measuring device, indicating transmitter or desired position value transmitter. One end of a pair of sliding contacts is driven by electrical drive signals over at least two contact surfaces, the other end of the pair of sliding contacts is displaced over conductor tracks led in parallel, as a result of which drive signals are transmitted via the contacted conductor tracks as evaluation signals. The device is usable in open-loop and closed-loop control technology, for example cursor control on a screen via an infrared remote control transmitter.

Abstract: A positioning staging apparatus comprises a base provided on a floor, a stage provided on the base and movable to the base, an output unit for outputting stage positioning information for moving the stage to a predetermined target position, a stage drive unit provided on the base for driving the stage and outputting the drive information, a stage control unit for controlling the stage drive unit to accelerate and decelerate the stage in accordance with the stage positioning information to stop the stage at the target position, a stage displacement detection unit for detecting the displacement of the stage driven by the stage drive unit to output the stage displacement information, and an anti-vibration unit provided between the floor and the base for applying to the base a force to suppress the vibration of the base generated by the movement of the stage. The anti-vibration unit generates the suppression force in accordance with one of the stage displacement information and the stage positioning information.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring system having a quick disconnect is disclosed. The coordinate measuring system includes a multijointed arm having a first end and a plurality of transfer housings for generating signals indicating the position of the first end. A first locking device is mountable to a second end of the arm. The first locking device has a first surface which is removably received within a first opening in a housing. The housing is mountable to a support and includes a second opening for communicating with the first opening. A second locking device having a second surface is movably received within the second opening from an unlocked position to a locked position and constitutes a cam which rotates to engage the first locking device. The second surface engages the first surface in the locked position to prevent the first locking member from being removed from the first opening.

Abstract: Ruled lines printed on a graph paper g are optically detected by a vertical ruled line reading sensor and a horizontal ruled line reading sensor. Ruled line spacing Dp in a plotter coordinate system P is measured and compared with ruled line spacing Dg in the a coordinate system G of a given graph paper, and the correspondence relationship between coordinate system G of the graph paper and coordinate system P of the plotter is determined. When a drawing command is inputted, a coordinate Zc in the drawing command is treated as a coordinate Zg in the coordinate system G of the graph paper, and this coordinate Zg is converted to coordinate Zp in the coordinate system P of the plotter, using the correspondence relationship. The drawing command is then executed with respect to the converted coordinate Zp. As a result, figures or waveforms that match the ruled lines of the graph paper can be drawn. Ordinary graph paper can be used because the ruled lines are read, contributing to ease of use.

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: A glass-plate working apparatus (A) includes a base (2) on which a glass plate (1) is placed; Y-direction movable bases (3) and (4) which are supported by the base (2) movably in a Y-direction perpendicular to an X-direction; a Y-direction moving device (5) for moving the movable bases (3) and (4) in the Y-direction; a frame (8) which is supported by the Y-direction movable bases (3) and (4) via scuffing preventing devices (6) and (7); an X-direction movable base (9) which is supported by the frame (8) movably in the X-direction; an X-direction moving device (10) for moving the X-direction movable base (9) in the X-direction; and a working head (12) mounted on the X-direction movable base (9) so as to form a cut line (11) for bend-breaking on the glass plate (1).

Abstract: A positioning system for moving a device over an xy-plane has a drive mechanism with pivotable arms for moving a carriage over the xy-plane by driving it from one side. This drive mechanism allows the system to be made narrow along the other side.

Abstract: A two-axis measurement system includes a structural support frame having at least two horizontally disposed parallel rails defining a length of the structural support frame at opposite sides thereof. The support frame further defines a test space between the opposite sides. A bridge extends perpendicularly between the rails and is capable of controlled movement along the rails over the length of the structural support frame. A first probe carriage carried by the bridge permits controlled movement along a span of the bridge. A vertical tower is coupled to the bridge orthogonally with the rails, and a second probe carriage is carried by the vertical tower permitting controlled movement along a height of the vertical tower. The first probe carriage is selectively moveable within a horizontal test plane defined in a first axial dimension by the rails and in a second axial dimension by the bridge by cooperative movement of the bridge and the first probe carriage.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus provides a base; a movable body elongated in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the movable body on the base; a pair of linear guide devices arranged on the base in parallel with each other, for guiding the movable body in the moving direction; a linear drive device mounted on the base for moving the movable body along the linear guide device; and an attitude stabilizing device mounted on the base for restraining a yawing motion of the movable body, the attitude stabilizing device including at least one transmission member, first and second fastening points formed in the movable body for fixing the transmission member, the first and second fastening points being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and first and second direction-changing devices mounted on the base and separated from each other in the moving direction.

Abstract: A positioning table includes a table member having a load plane, a supporting device for movably supporting the table member within a plane parallel to the load plane and, first, second, and third slide blocks located around the table member in a freely movable fashion toward and away from the table member. The first and second slide blocks move in directions parallel to each other, and the third slide block moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving directions of the first and second slide blocks. First, second, and third rollers project from a peripheral edge of the table member and are rotatable about axes perpendicular to the load plane.

Abstract: A positioning staging apparatus comprises a base provided on a floor, a stage provided on the base and movable to the base, an output unit for outputting stage positioning information for moving the stage to a predetermined target position, a stage drive unit provided on the base for driving the stage and outputting the drive information, a stage control unit for controlling the stage drive unit to accelerate and decelerate the stage in accordance with the stage positioning information to stop the stage at the target position, a stage displacement detection unit for detecting the displacement of the stage driven by the stage drive unit to output the stage displacement information, and an anti-vibration unit provided between the floor and the base for applying to the base a force to suppress the vibration of the base generated by the movement of the stage. The anti-vibration unit generates the suppression force in accordance with one of the stage displacement information and the stage positioning information.

Abstract: A universal fixture holds a component relative to an established reference frame. The fixture includes a base fixable relative to the established reference frame, and a plurality of stanchions continuously movable along a plane defined by a surface of the base.

Abstract: A level controller including a base plate having an upright support, a platform supported on and turned about the upright support, a status detector mounted on the bottom side of the platform to detect the position of the platform through an X-axis detector unit and a Y-axis detector unit and to provide an output signal corresponding to the result of the detection, a X-axis motor and a Y-axis motor arranged on the base plate at right angles, and a microprocessor controlled by the X-axis detector unit and Y-axis detector unit of the status detector to turn the X-axis motor and the Y-axis motor in keeping the platform on an even horizontal plane.

Abstract: A tilt and motion apparatus capable of high accuracy positioning. An upper stage is spaced apart and moved, both for vertical movement and tilting, relative to a lower stage. The upper stage is supported on the lower stage by three articulated flexures which each move in the vertical direction but are kinematically rigid in the horizontal plane. Each articulated flexure has three arms connected in a Z shape and both flexure ends are fixed to a base structure mounted on the lower stage. A voice coil motor with one element mounted on the flexure and a second cooperating element on the lower stage pushes against each flexure, which is also connected to the upper stage, away from the lower stage. Thus, the upper stage is very stiff in the horizontal direction. Additionally, at least one air cylinder is connected between the upper stage and lower stage to provide a constant counterforce to the upper stage to support its weight.

Abstract: An X-Y positioning machine has a forcer, with armature coils, that moves around on a platen, supported by an air bearing. Magnets embedded in the motor platen generate a fixed magnetic field with which the armature coils interact. Perpendicular elongated coils interact with the fields of magnets in columns and rows. When a traditional rectangular pattern of the magnets is provided, a packing density and average peak magnetic flux intercepted by the coils are limited to 50%. The present invention provides magnet configurations that provide greater than 50% maximum peak flux density and up to 100% packing density. Several magnet arrangements are provided: a first in which round magnets are used instead of square, and a second in which diamond-shaped magnets are used. The latter can be used at 100% packing density arrangement. In addition to high peak flux density for a narrow coil, these embodiments exhibit low cogging forces. A method of making the magnet is also provided.

Abstract: An XY table that uses linear electromagnetic actuators to achieve faster operating speeds, improve durability, prevent generation of dust and reduce size (make more compact). The cord for supplying electrical power to the linear electromagnetic actuators and the cords for obtaining signals from each type of sensor are concentrated at an intermediate movement member (X table), and gathered together into a single cord that is used for connection to the outside (controller, etc.). As a result, detrimental effects caused by the cord are minimized which enables the XY table to demonstrate the performance described above.

Abstract: A stage used for positioning and aligning a wafer, as used in photolithography or microlithography in semiconductor manufacturing having a plurality of interferometer laser gauges placed on a movable wafer stage associated with a pair of stationary orthogonal return mirrors. A beam of light parallel to the X axes is directed through a penta prism to an interferometer laser gauges placed on the wafer stage near the wafer plane through a plurality of beamsplitters and fold mirrors. The present invention is less sensitive to rotation or twisting of the wafer stage and eliminates or reduces certain errors introduced by the rotation. Additionally, large stable return mirrors may be used, increasing the travel distance permitted by the wafer stage while reducing weight on the wafer stage. The wafer stage can be more accurately positioned and accommodate larger wafer sizes with improved positioning and alignment accuracies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the characteristic dimensions of a vehicle seat for use in an automotive vehicle including the seat H-point location and determining variable data deviations of the dimensions and the H-point location from standard specifications wherein a seat to be tested is placed in a seat buck including a focused light beam generator capable of directing a light beam toward the vehicle seat after it is mounted on the seat buck, the seat buck further including a fixed target member for prepositioning the location of the light beam for zeroing the digital position coordinate read-outs prior to installation of the seat being tested on the seat buck.

Abstract: A device for measuring a figure. The measuring device includes an auxiliary tracer to obtain measurement coordinates when a measuring lever of the measuring device is beyond a predetermined rotatable range. The auxiliary tracer functions to increase the measurable range of the measuring device without having to increase the over-all length of the measuring device. The device includes a body having a pair of wheels with a measuring lever extending therefrom and having a main tracer. An auxiliary tracer is provided on an auxiliary arm extending from the measuring lever. Data from either the main tracer or the auxiliary tracer can be processed by a processor to measure the figure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for manually measuring a workpiece with a manually guided coordinate measuring apparatus. The apparatus includes a carrier for a probe which, in turn, carries a probe ball 12 on a deflectable probe pin 11. The carrier is movably journalled in several spatial directions. The probe ball 12 is brought into contact with the geometric element of the workpiece 30' to be measured and is guided therealong in continuous contact therewith. Signals (.phi., .psi., z) of coordinate measuring devices are generated with the movement of the probe. Signals (u, v, w) of a transducer of the probe are generated with a deflection of the probe pin 11. Control signals (80 to 84) are generated from the first signals and/or the second signals and these control signals characterize the start and the end of the measuring operation on the geometric element and the validity of the coordinate measurement values (X, Y, Z).

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor integrated microactuator device that includes the steps of: bonding or laminating a driving element to a substrate for generating a vertical motion, and coupling a conversion element to the driving element for converting the vertical motion into rotational motion. The method can be effectively used for micro-actuators that utilize Coulomb's force, vibration, and fluid pressure as their driving force.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus provides a base; a movable body elongated in a longitudinal direction orthogonal to a moving direction of the movable body on the base; a pair of linear guide devices arranged on the base in parallel with each other, for guiding the movable body in the moving direction; a linear drive device mounted on the base for moving the movable body along the linear guide device; and an attitude stabilizing device mounted on the base for restraining a yawing motion of the movable body, the attitude stabilizing device including at least one rope member, first and second fastening points formed in the movable body for fixing the rope member, the first and second fastening points being separated from each other in the longitudinal direction, and first and second direction-changing devices mounted on the base and separated from each other in the moving direction.

Abstract: A precision positioning system is provided which provides long travel in two of the linear dimensions, while using non-contact bearings for both a first subassembly which provides long travel in one of the linear dimension and a second subassembly which provides long travel in the second linear dimension. The first or upper subassembly is preferably a magnetic subassembly which, in addition to providing long travel, also compensates or positions in three rotary dimensions and in the third linear dimension. The second subassembly is preferably either an air bearing or magnetic subassembly and is normally used only to provide long travel. Angled surfaces may be provided for magnetic bearings and capacitive or other gap sensing probes may be mounted to the stage and ground flush with the bearing actuators to provide more precise gap measurements.

Abstract: A self-contained drafting instrument adapted for rapid measurement of diagrams or drawings on a surface. The instrument utilizes an internal movement detection mechanism, an electronics processing system, and a display screen capable of graphical representation. The movement detection mechanism measures both orthogonal components of movement and the display screen provides a scale that electronically scrolls as the instrument moves or by manually pressing a key on a keyboard. The drafting instrument can be constructed in a number of orientations including a ruler, drafting triangle, protractor, or T-square.

Abstract: A coordinate measuring machine having three elongated members defining X, Y and Z axes is provided wherein the Y axis is defined by a horizontal arm extendedly and retractably mounted in a housing supported on the rail defining the Z axis. The horizontal arm is provided with convex ridges on its upper and lower surfaces. The ridges preferably extend along the center line of the arm. The arm is supported by upper and lower pairs of wheels having concave surfaces located in the housing.

Abstract: An alignment apparatus for aligning x-ray images with a predetermined set of axes comprises means defining the axes in the form of a support arrangement which supports, at predetermined positions in space, located in at least two predetermined planes, a plurality of elements which are opaque to ex-radiation. An apparatus is also described for aligning an end effector comprising two spaced guide frames each having two parallel guide members with a carriage for movement along each of the guide members, the carriages being inter-connected by cross members, further carriages being mounted on the cross members, the further carriages supporting the end effector for guide means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a marking device for making two-dimensional identification signs on the surface of any object, of the type in which the micro-percussion tool is borne axially by a slewable rod which is retained angularly along its axis and which penetrates in a fixed housing through a Universal joint allowing free orientation thereof in all directions along an axis of symmetry, characterized in that orientation of the rod is controlled with the aid of two independent motors which act on one and the other, respectively, of the two orthogonal pivot pins of the joint.

Abstract: A metrological apparatus has a movable arm 15 which moves up and down between two bearing members 13, both of which define datum positions for the arm 15. The arm 15 has air bearings on the bearing members 13, so that it adopts a position equidistant between the bearing members 13. In this way, the position of the arm 15 contains the average of the errors in the two datum positions defined by the bearing members 13. Where the bearing members 13 have symmetric errors, these will be cancelled. Since the path of maximum straightness of movement of the arm 15 is spaced from the bearing members 13, it is possible to put a workpiece 3 in this path and a turntable 5 for supporting the workpiece 3 is arranged to have its rotational axis in line with the path of maximum straightness.

Abstract: A pencil marking device for clipped cloth includes a fixing base, a pencil pedestal, a driving pedestal, a driving source, and at least two sensors, in which the fixing base is fixed on the automatic marking machinery, and the pencil pedestal is connected in it. The tooth ring is formed on the outside of the pencil pedestal. The driving pedestal is installed on one side of the fixing pedestal and is engaged with the tooth ring of the pencil pedestal through an active gear rack for driving the pencil pedestal to rotate at a fix point. The active gear rack is connected with the driving source by an U shape connection and driven to move horizontally by the driving source. The sensors are installed on the ends of the driving pedestal respectively for sensing the moving range of the active gear rack. The range of the horizontal movement of the active gear rack is restricted for driving the pencil in the pencil pedestal to rotate and mark at a fix position, then an automatic pencil marking device is constructed.

Abstract: An aerial support platform is supported to extend below, and intermediate of, a pair of parallel cables mounted along respective opposite walls of a studio. A carriage rides on each of the parallel cables, and another pair of cables extends to connect the pair of carriages. A third carriage sits on the other pair of cables, and a series of further cables extend vertically from that carriage to the platform. The pair of carriages positioned on the opposite walls of the studio are controlled to move in tandem, and the third carriage has controlled movement between those carriages. The platform may be raised or lowered relative to the third carriage, and thus has three linear axes of motion. The platform has two additional axes of motion, both rotational. One is around a vertical axis and another is around an axis normal to the vertical axis. Cinematographic equipment may be fixed to the platform, which can then be oriented using a computer at a remote location.

Abstract: The drawing toy of the present invention includes: a paper retainer, to retain a piece of paper for drawing; a writing tool holder, for use in drawing on the paper; a first cam, keeping the information for moving the writing tool holder in a first direction along said paper; a second cam, carrying the information for moving the writing tool holder along the paper and in a second direction, perpendicular with the first direction; a cam driver, to drive the first cam and the second cam; and a drawing mechanism coupled to the first cam and the second cam, which moves the writing tool holder in response to the movements of both cams, whereby a drawing may be effected on the paper.

Abstract: An X-Y stage includes a base having a first guide rail extending in a first direction, a stage having a second guide rail extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, where the stage is movable with respect to the base in mutually perpendicular directions X and Y, and a slider arranged between the base and the stage and having a plurality of first wheels provided with respect to the first guide rail and rotatable under guidance of the first guide rail and a plurality of second wheels provided with respect to the second guide rail and rotatable under guidance of the second guide rail. The first wheels block a movement of the slider in the second direction by engaging the first guide rail when the stage moves in the second direction, and the second wheels block a movement of the slider in the first direction by engaging the second guide rail when the stage moves in the first direction. In addition, the slider is arranged in at least three locations.

Abstract: A figure coordinate marking apparatus having a fine movement device capable of easily and accurately adjusting the marker to a specific coordinate position of a figure and a marker capable of clearly indicating a marking point. The figure coordinate marking apparatus is comprised of a main body having rollers provided at each end of a straight horizontal axle perpendicular to a running direction thereof so that the main body can run in only the straight running direction, a display device, an input device, and calculating device. A measuring lever is pivotably supported on the main body to rotate right or left relative to the running direction on a horizontal plane. A first wheel for fine movement substantially in the running direction of the main body, and a second wheel for fine movement in a turning direction of the measuring lever are provided. The first wheel and second wheel are normally kept a small distance above a sheet of paper on which a figure to be measured is drawn, by an elastic member.

Abstract: A bracket having an arm extending therefrom is securely attached, at a base end thereof, to a first belt passed around a pair of pulleys, and a second belt is passed around another pair of pulleys and guided along the length of the arm by rollers or the like. A carriage is securely attached to a part of the second belt extending along the length of the arm. Therefore, by moving the first belt, the arm is moved along the length of the first belt or in the X-direction. By moving the second belt while keeping the first belt stationary, the carriage is moved along the length of the arm or in the Y-direction. Thus, the carriage can be moved to an arbitrary point along a desired path in a X-Y coordinate system by individually moving the first and second belts in an appropriate manner.