Stanley W Locke

US Patent:

6408526, Jun 25, 2002

Filed:

Apr 12, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/289761

Inventors:

Richard C. Montesanti - San Francisco CA
Stanley F. Locke - Livermore CA
Samuel L. Thompson - Pleasanton CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

B23Q 318

US Classification:

33 1M, 33502, 269 60

Abstract:

An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails. The slide base, the slide plate, the ball-screw, and the linking device together form a slide assembly.

US Patent:

6839970, Jan 11, 2005

Filed:

May 17, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/150560

Inventors:

Richard C. Montesanti - San Francisco CA, US
Stanley F. Locke - Livermore CA, US
Samuel L. Thompson - Pleasanton CA, US

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of California - Oakland CA

International Classification:

B23Q 318
B23Q 126

US Classification:

33 1M, 33502, 269 60

Abstract:

An apparatus and method is disclosed for ultra-precision positioning. A slide base provides a foundational support. A slide plate moves with respect to the slide base along a first geometric axis. Either a ball-screw or a piezoelectric actuator working separate or in conjunction displaces the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis. A linking device directs a primary force vector into a center-line of the ball-screw. The linking device consists of a first link which directs a first portion of the primary force vector to an apex point, located along the center-line of the ball-screw, and a second link for directing a second portion of the primary force vector to the apex point. A set of rails, oriented substantially parallel to the center-line of the ball-screw, direct movement of the slide plate with respect to the slide base along the first geometric axis and are positioned such that the apex point falls within a geometric plane formed by the rails. The slide base, the slide plate, the ball-screw, and the linking device together form a slide assembly.