Sub-micron adjustable mount for supporting a component and method

A system for fixedly attaching an attachment surface of an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface that is defined by a support arrangement, said system comprising:

• a first arrangement for distributing a biasing force at least partially around a weld region of the workpiece to urge the attachment surface of the workpiece against said support surface in a way which at least resists welding induced movement of the workpiece relative to the support arrangement;
• and
• an electrode arrangement having an electrode tip formed at a distal end of an electrode for contacting the workpiece at said weld region in a way which provides for substantially compliant movement of the electrode tip in contact with the weld region at least in directions that are generally parallel to the support surface while applying a welding current through said electrode so as to weld the attachment surface of the workpiece to the support surface.

In a system for fixedly attaching an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface that is defined by a support configuration, an apparatus comprising:

• a member supported for controlled movement and having a free end that is configured (i) for engaging the workpiece in a way which biases the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece slidingly against the support surface, with said controlled movement, into an adjusted position and (ii) for use in conducting an electrical current through the workpiece and the support surface, while holding the workpiece in said adjusted position, to weld the workpiece to said support surface.

In a system for fixedly attaching an electrically conductive workpiece to an electrically conductive support surface that is defined by a support configuration, a method comprising the steps of:

• supporting a member for controlled movement of a free end thereof and configuring the free end (i) for engaging the workpiece in a way which biases the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece slidingly against the support surface, with said controlled movement, into an adjusted position and (ii) for use in conducting an electrical current through the workpiece and the support surface, while holding the workpiece in said adjusted position, to weld the workpiece to said support surface.

In a system including a support configuration at least defining an electrically conductive support surface, an apparatus comprising:

• an electrically conductive workpiece that is configured for fixed attachment to said support surface;
• and
• an arrangement supported for controlled movement and having a free end that is configured (i) for engaging the workpiece in a way which biases the workpiece against the support surface to manipulate the workpiece slidingly against the support surface, with said controlled movement, into an adjusted position and (ii) for use in conducting an electrical current through the workpiece and the support surface, while holding the workpiece in said adjusted position, to weld the workpiece to said support surface.