Rotational and translational microposition apparatus and method

A method for rotationally and translationally micropositioning a linear probe, comprising the steps of:

• providing a support surface;
• securing an upstanding bracket to said support surface;
• mounting a first rotary motor having an output shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation in a horizontal plane in surmounting relation to said upstanding bracket;
• providing a second rotary motor having an output shaft that rotates about an axis of rotation in a horizontal plane when said second rotary motor is in a position of repose;
• interconnecting said first and second rotary motors to one another with a rigid link having a first end secured to said output shaft of said first rotary motor for conjoint rotation therewith, having a second end, and having a right angle bend formed therein between said first end and said second end;
• securing a mounting plate to said second end of said rigid link;
• mounting said second rotary motor to said mounting plate;
• and
• disposing said axis of rotation of the output shaft of said first rotary motor in orthogonal relation to the axis of rotation of the output shaft of the second rotary motor so that the axis of rotation of the output shaft of said first rotary motor and the axis of the rotation of the output shaft of said second rotary motor intersection one another at a virtual point that is external to said first and second rotary motors.

A rotational and translational micropositioning apparatus, comprising:

• an output shaft of a first rotary motor and an output shaft of a second rotary motor being disposed in a horizontal plane in orthogonal relation to one another and being connected to one another by a right-angled bracket when said apparatus is in a position of repose;
• an output shaft of a linear motor being disposed in a vertical plane in orthogonal relation to the respective output shafts of said first and second rotary motors when said apparatus is in said position of repose and being connected to the output shaft of said second rotary motor;
• a probe of linear configuration being secured to said linear motor in parallel relation thereto and said probe having a tip;
• a virtual point defined by intersection of respective longitudinal axes of symmetry of said output shafts of said first and second rotary motors and said linear motor;
• whereby simultaneous rotation of said output shaft of said first rotary motor, said output shaft of said second rotary motor, and simultaneous displacement of said output shaft of said linear motor enable said probe to be positioned in an infinite plurality of positions of adjustment where said tip of said probe remains in juxtaposition with said virtual point;
• and whereby said infinite plurality of positions of adjustment collectively define a cone where said tip of said probe defines the vertex of said cone.