US3826558A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Mechanical rotary tilt stage
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1972-07-21
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Granted: 1974-07-30
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Expires: 1992-07-21
Abstract
Abstract A mechanical stage capable of tilting in any direction and rotated 360 degrees at any tilt angle includes a hemispherical support base which rests upon an O-ring bearing allowing tilt and rotary motion so that an object located at the center of the hemisphere at a point in space above the plane of the bearing can be tilted and/or rotated without shifting its position in X or Y. A rotatable plate forming the top of the hemisphere has a vacuum chuck positioned thereon for holding the object during examination.
Inventors
- 👤 P Rasberry
- 👤 D Whitaker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:12
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B21/00; G02B21/24; G02B21/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
187 words
A mechanical rotary tilt stage for use on a microscope having an X, Y sTage, said rotary tilt stage comprising a tiltable and rotatable hemisphere support member with flat portion upwardly oriented and spherical portion downwardly oriented, a substantially flat surfaced base member in spaced relation below said hemisphere support member, an O-ring bearing positioned between said spherical portion and said base member for supporting said hemisphere during tilting and rotation such that the center of the spherical portion is the center of tilt and rotation, screw means for tilting said hemisphere a predetermined amount, spring means for maintaining a downward pressure on said hemisphere, pivoted levers positioned between said screw and spring means and said hemisphere, said spring means being positioned diametrically opposite said screw means, means for rotating said hemisphere, and a table for placing an object thereon, said table having its upper surface common with the upper surface of said hemisphere, thereby allowing an object located on the center of said table to be tilted and rotated without shifting the X, Y position of the object relative to the optical axis of the microscope.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
187 words
A mechanical rotary tilt stage for use on a microscope having an X, Y sTage, said rotary tilt stage comprising a tiltable and rotatable hemisphere support member with flat portion upwardly oriented and spherical portion downwardly oriented, a substantially flat surfaced base member in spaced relation below said hemisphere support member, an O-ring bearing positioned between said spherical portion and said base member for supporting said hemisphere during tilting and rotation such that the center of the spherical portion is the center of tilt and rotation, screw means for tilting said hemisphere a predetermined amount, spring means for maintaining a downward pressure on said hemisphere, pivoted levers positioned between said screw and spring means and said hemisphere, said spring means being positioned diametrically opposite said screw means, means for rotating said hemisphere, and a table for placing an object thereon, said table having its upper surface common with the upper surface of said hemisphere, thereby allowing an object located on the center of said table to be tilted and rotated without shifting the X, Y position of the object relative to the optical axis of the microscope.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
45 words
The mechanical rotary tilt stage defined in claim 1 wherein the means for rotating said hemisphere includes a plate having knurled edges, said plate being rotatable and fixedly attached to said hemisphere such that rotation of said plate produces a corresponding rotation of said hemisphere.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The mechanical rotary tilt stage defined in claim 2 wherein a vacuum chuck for holding an object is positioned on said plate and rotates therewith, said vacuum chuck being operatively connected to an internal vacuum port through a vacuum passage in said hemisphere.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-07-29 | 1978-01-28 | 1978-07-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-07-29 | 1982-01-28 | 1982-07-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-07-29 | 1986-01-28 | 1986-07-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |