Device for micro-manipulation of small samples
AssigneeOceaneering International, Inc.
InventorsTerrence J. Nienaber, William C. Robertson, Kent D. Copeland
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a x-y-axis device and a x-y-z-axis device for micro-manipulating or positioning a crystal for x-ray diffraction. More specifically, the devices which may be placed on the head on a goniometer have small footprints (small in size). The sample may be moved and recorded in step resolutions of 1 micron over an extended range of motion.
Claims12
A micro-manipulator for a sample, especially for use at the end of a goniometer comprising:
- a y-axis device including a pair of low friction linear slides mounted in spaced apart and parallel position, a carriage carried by said slides in the y-axis and an electric motor rotating a threaded screw to provide step resolutions of said carriage for a substantial linear distance;
- an x-axis device including a pair of low friction linear slides mounted in spaced apart and parallel position, a carriage carried by said slides in the x-axis and an electric motor rotating a threaded screw to provide step resolutions of said carriage for a substantial linear distance;
- said x-axis carriage affixed at a right angle to said carriage of said y-axis device to provide orthogonal linear travel to said x-axis carriage;
- and
- a z-axis device including:
- a base mounted on said x-axis carriage, a pair of low friction linear slides mounted to said base, a rack and pinion mounted to said base, a carriage carried by said slides and rack, and an electric motor for driving said pinion to move said carriage vertically in the z-axis.
A micro-manipulator for a crystal sample for use at the end of a goniometer comprising:
- a y-axis device for providing linear movement in the y-axis to a carriage of said device;
- a x-axis device for providing linear movement in the x-axis to a carriage of said device, said x-axis carriage affixed at a right angle to said y-axis carriage to provide orthogonal linear travel to the carriage of said x-axis device;
- and
- a z-axis device that includes:
- a base mounted on said x-axis carriage, a pair of low friction linear slides mounted to said base, a rack and pinion mounted to said base, a carriage carried by said slides and rack, and an electric motor for driving said pinion to move said carriage vertically in the z-axis.
A single axis micro-manipulator comprising;
- a protective housing;
- a U-shaped carriage in said housing, said carriage having a nut affixed thereto;
- two linear actuators connecting said carriage to said housing;
- a screw shaft mounted in said housing;
- and
- a motor in said housing for rotating said shaft and moving said carriage in step resolutions.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.