US3744891A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Two-dimension repeatable, positionable table
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1970-11-25
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Granted: 1973-07-10
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Expires: 1990-11-25
Abstract
Abstract An X-Y table capable of repeatably being positioned accurately in predetermined coordinate positions. The table is driven by a single electric motor for a power source which positions the table in both coordinates, either simultaneously or sequentially, and is accurately positioned by electromechanical solenoids for locking the table into predefined positions, thereby providing repeatability and reliability of positioning of the material carried by the table.
Inventors
- 👤 J Honn
- 👤 J Nottingham
- 👤 R Dennis
- 👤 R Green
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 21:09
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03B; G03B27/00; G03B27/32; G03B27/52; G03B27/62; G03B27/6271; G03B27/6292; G05; G05D; G05D3/00; G05D3/12; G05D3/14; G05D3/1445; G05D3/1454
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
320 words
A two dimensional positioning apparatus for positioning an object in predefined positions accurately and repeatably comprising: a stationary support means; a first movable support means slidably mounted on said stationary support means for movement in a first direction, a second movable support means slidably supported on said first movable support means for movement in a second direction, said second direction perpendicular with respect to said first direction of said first movable support means; engagable drive means applying force to said first and second movable support means by a flexible force transmission means, one end of said flexible force transmission means attached to said drive means, the other end of said flexible force transmission means attached to said second movable support means and said first movable support means engaged with said flexible force transmission means intermediate its ends for moving the first and second movable support means in the first and second direction, respectively; first centering means carried by said first movable support means and second centering means carried by said second movable support means, and first locking means attached to the stationary support means and second locking means attached to the first movable support means, said first and second locking means engagable with said first and second centering means, respectively for accurately locking said first and second movable support means with respect to their respective support means for accuracy and repeatability of positioning; a first and second position selecting means connected to thE first and second locking and centering means, respectively, and carried by said stationary support means and said first movable support means, respectively, to select the position of each of said movable support means and control said locking and centering means; and a repositioning means connected to said first and second movable support means for returning said first and second movable support means to a predefined starting position when said locking means and said drive means are disengaged.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
320 words
A two dimensional positioning apparatus for positioning an object in predefined positions accurately and repeatably comprising: a stationary support means; a first movable support means slidably mounted on said stationary support means for movement in a first direction, a second movable support means slidably supported on said first movable support means for movement in a second direction, said second direction perpendicular with respect to said first direction of said first movable support means; engagable drive means applying force to said first and second movable support means by a flexible force transmission means, one end of said flexible force transmission means attached to said drive means, the other end of said flexible force transmission means attached to said second movable support means and said first movable support means engaged with said flexible force transmission means intermediate its ends for moving the first and second movable support means in the first and second direction, respectively; first centering means carried by said first movable support means and second centering means carried by said second movable support means, and first locking means attached to the stationary support means and second locking means attached to the first movable support means, said first and second locking means engagable with said first and second centering means, respectively for accurately locking said first and second movable support means with respect to their respective support means for accuracy and repeatability of positioning; a first and second position selecting means connected to thE first and second locking and centering means, respectively, and carried by said stationary support means and said first movable support means, respectively, to select the position of each of said movable support means and control said locking and centering means; and a repositioning means connected to said first and second movable support means for returning said first and second movable support means to a predefined starting position when said locking means and said drive means are disengaged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
100 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 1 where said repositioning means comprises: a spring means storing energy during the positioning of said first and second movable support means; flexible force transmission means connected from said spring means to said first and second support means; means for disengaging said locking and centering means; and means for disengaging said driving means, said drive means acting in a generally opposite direction to said spring means, so that said spring means may reposition said first and said second support means in a direction generally opposite that of the direction of the drive means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
63 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 1 wherein said locking and centering means comprises: cam surfaces carried by one of each pair of relatively movable support means; plunger means for engaging said cam surfaces; means for moving said plunger means into and out of engagement with said cam surfaces and carried by the other of each pair of relatively movable support means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
45 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 3 wherein said energy storing means comprises a plurality of clock spring motors to store energy during the positioning of said movable support means and to provide energy to restore said movable support means to their home positions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: control means to select and control the positions of said first and second movable support means, said control means further comprising a plurality of selectively operable relay for controlling each of said locking and centering means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control means includes manual address key switches for addressing predefined positions in each of said two directions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The two dimensional positioning apparatus of claim 5 wherein said control means comprises: a computer connected to said relays for selection and control of the positions of said movable support means.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-07-09 | 1977-01-08 | 1977-07-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-09 | 1981-01-08 | 1981-07-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-09 | 1985-01-08 | 1985-07-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |