Parallel kinematics micro-positioning system

A parallel kinematic micro-positioning system that can provide precise movement at the micron and sub-micron level of a payload, that is compatible with an existing automation system, comprising:

• a base frame that mounts a first motor that is attached to a first cranking arm with a first connecting link;
• an intermediate stage that mounts a second motor that is attached to a second cranking arm with a second connecting link;
• an output stage and table with a payload that is precisely moved by said second cranking arm;
• a first optical linear encoder used in combination with said first motor and said first cranking arm forming a first motor assembly that converts operational data into a plurality of precise X-axis payload movements;
• a second optical linear encoder used in combination with said second motor and said second cranking arm forming a second motor assembly that converts said operational data into a plurality of precise Y-axis payload movements;
• a motor controller that governs movement of said first motor and said second motor;
• a digital signal processor that processes and controls said operational data involved with said motor controller and said micro-positioning system;
• an anti-backlash gearing mechanism disposed between each said motor and each said cranking arm to prevent any backlash from any said cranking arm movement;
• a first pair of roller tracks, a first plurality of roller bearings and a first plurality of fasteners for said first roller bearings forming a first roller assembly disposed underneath said intermediate stage to move said intermediate stage according to said operational data, said motor controller and said digital signal processor;
• a second pair of roller tracks, a second plurality of roller bearings and a second plurality of fasteners for said second roller bearings forming a second roller assembly disposed underneath said output stage and table to move said output stage and table according to said operational data, said motor controller and said digital signal processor;
• a first bearing and pin joint that connects said first cranking arm to a first connecting link pin of said first connecting link and a second bearing and pin joint that connects a third connecting link to said intermediate stage;
• and
• a third bearing and pin joint that connects said second cranking arm to a second connecting link pin of said second connecting link and a fourth bearing and pin joint that connects a fourth connecting link to said output stage and table.

A parallel kinematic micro-positioning system that can provide precise movement at the micron and sub-micron level of a payload, that is compatible with an existing automation system, comprising:

• a base frame that mounts a first motor that is attached to a first cranking arm with a first connecting link;
• an intermediate stage that mounts a second motor that is attached to a second cranking arm with a second connecting link;
• an output stage and table with a payload that is precisely moved by said second cranking arm;
• a first optical linear encoder used in combination with said first motor and said first cranking arm forming a first motor assembly that converts operational data into a plurality of precise X-axis payload movements;
• a second optical linear encoder used in combination with said second motor and said second cranking arm forming a second motor assembly that converts said operational data into a plurality of precise Y-axis payload movements;
• a motor controller that governs movement of said first motor and said second motor;
• a digital signal processor that processes and controls said operational data involved with said motor controller and said micro-positioning system;
• a first pair of roller tracks, a first plurality of roller bearings and a first plurality of fasteners for said first roller bearings forming a first roller assembly disposed underneath said intermediate stage to move said intermediate stage according to said operational data, said motor controller and said digital signal processor;
• a second pair of roller tracks, a second plurality of roller bearings and a second plurality of fasteners for said second roller bearings forming a second roller assembly disposed underneath said output stage and table to move said output stage and table according to said operational data, said motor controller and said digital signal processor;
• a first bearing and pin joint that connects said first cranking arm to a first connecting link pin of said first connecting link and a second bearing and pin joint that connects a third connecting link to said intermediate stage;
• and
• a third bearing and pin joint that connects said second cranking arm to a second connecting link pin of said second connecting link and a fourth bearing and pin joint that connects a fourth connecting link to said output stage and table.