Axially compliant bearing for precision positioning

Abstract

A rotationally compliant bearing roller assembly having a roller, at least one bearing member operably coupled to a base configured to support rotational movement about a rotational axis; and a rotary compliant joint interconnecting the at least one bearing member to the roller. The rotary compliant joint having a first compliance in a rotational direction about the rotational axis to permit movement of the roller in the rotational direction relative to the at least one bearing member, such that the first compliance being greater than a friction induced compliance of the at least one bearing member in the rotational direction. The compliant joint having a second compliance in a direction orthogonal to the rotational direction, such that the second compliance being less than the first compliance.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.