US 6,174,102 B1Granted

Modular motion stages utilizing interconnecting elements

AssigneeNew Focus, Inc.

InventorsKhiem Ba Do, David F. Arnone

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Abstract

A modular approach to the design of motion modules, e.g., positioning elements, is provided. Thus, a single positioning element can be integrated into a number of multi-axis configurations through combination with other basic positioning elements all of which share a modular interlocking feature. In an embodiment of the invention a motion module is disclosed which includes a base and a mobile stage. The base includes an exterior surface and a first interconnector located on the exterior surface. The mobile stage includes an exterior surface and a second interconnector. The mobile stage is positionable with respect to the base. The second interconnector is located on the exterior surface of the mobile stage. The first and the second interconnector are mutually engagable in releasable frictional engagement with second and first interconnectors of other motion modules for stackable interconnection therebetween.

Claims12

Dependent claims

A modular motion module, comprising:

a base with a bottom surface;
and
a mobile stage with a top surface;
and the mobile stage slidably affixed to said base in a linearly positionable relationship with respect to said base;
a micropositioner coupled to at least one of said base and said mobile stage for a fine adjustment of a relative position between said base and said mobile stage;
and
a pair of male and female interlocking members and said female member defined along a first longitudinal axis on a one of the bottom surface of said base and the top surface of said mobile stage, and said male member removably coupled to an other of the top surface of said base and the bottom surface of said mobile stage and extending along a second longitudinal axis orthogonal to the first longitudinal axis;
and the male and female interlocking members dimensioned for interlocking with complementary female and male interlocking members of other motion modules for interchangeable stackable interconnection therebetween and for a coarse adjustment of a relative position between motion modules.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/013,497Filed 26 Jan 1998
Granted: 16 Jan 2001
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification12 codes

B23Q 1/626
A single sliding pair followed perpendicularly by a single sliding pair: followed perpendicularly by a single sliding pair
B23Q 1/282
Means for securing sliding members in any desired position: co-operating with means to adjust the distance between the relatively slidable members
B23Q 1/4804
With sliding pairs and rotating pairs: a single rotating pair followed perpendicularly by a single sliding pair
B23Q 1/4852
With sliding pairs and rotating pairs: a single sliding pair followed perpendicularly by a single rotating pair