US3808488A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for making precision microadjustments in the position of a movable element
Assignee: MASSA DONALD P COHASSET
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Filing: 1972-07-14
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Granted: 1974-04-30
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Expires: 1992-07-14
Abstract
Abstract An element or object, such as a magnetic recording head, may be positioned over very small distances with extreme accuracy. This is done by selectively energizing two of three sonic energy transducers. One centrally located transducer vibrates the object to change its static supporting friction to a dynamic friction and, thereby, effectively act as a lubricant. The other two transducers are mounted in linear opposition to drive the head in either of two opposite directions. By simultaneously energizing the central transducer and either of the other two transducers, the head is driven in a selected direction by what amounts to tiny hammer blows.
Inventors
- 👤 F Massa
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 06:28
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B5/00; G11B5/48; G11B5/56; G11B5/54; G11B5/55; G11B5/5504; G11B5/5508
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
In a micropositioning system including a base member having a movable element mounted thereon, spring clamping means for holding said element in frictional contact with said base member with a predetermined force between said base and element, means including at least one electromechanical transducer comprising a body portion and a vibratile tip portion for microadjusting the position of said element on said base member, means for supporting said transducer with said vibratile tip portion making physical contact with said movable element, and a second electromechanical transducer means associated with said element for supplying sonic vibrational energy to said element to reduce the coefficient of friction between said element and said base member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
112 words
In a micropositioning system including a base member having a movable element mounted thereon, spring clamping means for holding said element in frictional contact with said base member with a predetermined force between said base and element, means including at least one electromechanical transducer comprising a body portion and a vibratile tip portion for microadjusting the position of said element on said base member, means for supporting said transducer with said vibratile tip portion making physical contact with said movable element, and a second electromechanical transducer means associated with said element for supplying sonic vibrational energy to said element to reduce the coefficient of friction between said element and said base member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The invention in claim 1 wherein said second electromechanical transducer means is held in contact with said element by said spring which clamps said carriage member to said base member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
108 words
A positioning structure including a base support member and a movable carriage member slidably mounted on said base member, means for microadjusting the position of said carriage member with reference to said base member, said microadjustment means including two electromechanical transducer means slidably mounted in linear opposition on said base member, each of said transducer means comprising a body portion and a vibratile tip portion oriented with said vibratile tip portions making contact with opposed surface portions of said movable carriage member, and means for clamping said carriage member to said base member with a predetermined force which may be overcome by the vibrations of said transducer mEans.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
108 words
A positioning structure including a base support member and a movable carriage member slidably mounted on said base member, means for microadjusting the position of said carriage member with reference to said base member, said microadjustment means including two electromechanical transducer means slidably mounted in linear opposition on said base member, each of said transducer means comprising a body portion and a vibratile tip portion oriented with said vibratile tip portions making contact with opposed surface portions of said movable carriage member, and means for clamping said carriage member to said base member with a predetermined force which may be overcome by the vibrations of said transducer mEans.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention in claim 3 wherein said means for clamping said carriage member includes a spring for applying a fixed force between said carriage member and said base member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
46 words
The invention in claim 4 wherein said predetermined force is a friction force, and third electromechanical transducer means associated with said carriage member for supplying sonic vibrational energy to said carriage member for reducing the coefficient of friction between said carriage member and said base member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention in claim 5 wherein said third electromechanical transducer means is held in contact with said carriage member by said spring 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) | 1977-04-29 | 1977-10-29 | 1978-04-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-04-29 | 1981-10-29 | 1982-04-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-04-29 | 1985-10-29 | 1986-04-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |