Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 48
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A kinematic system for positioning a utilization device parallel to a selected plane, said system comprising: a base structure; a plurality of spaced drive means for supporting the utilization device for translational movement along a first axis normal to a plane of the base structure and for rotational movement about second and third axes orthogonal to the first axis and parallel to said plane of the base structure; and constraining means, including the drive means, for kinematically constraining the utilization device to move only along the first axis and about the second and third axes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A kinematic system for positioning a utilization device parallel to a selected plane, said system comprising: a base structure; a plurality of spaced drive means for supporting the utilization device for translational movement along a first axis normal to a plane of the base structure and for rotational movement about second and third axes orthogonal to the first axis and parallel to said plane of the base structure; and constraining means, including the drive means, for kinematically constraining the utilization device to move only along the first axis and about the second and third axes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
20 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1 wherein said utilization device is disposed on a moveable stage for movement therewith.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
46 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1 wherein: said utilization device comprises a chuck member for holding a workpiece; and said system further includes focus detection means, coupled to the drive means, for controlling the drive means to position the workpiece parallel to the selected plane.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A kinematic system as in claim 3 wherein said focus detection means comprises at least three focus detectors.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
A kinematic system as in claim 3 or 4 wherein said chuck member is disposed on a moveable stage for movement therewith.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
32 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of eccentric means coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
55 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said plurality of spaced drive means includes: a plurality of eccentric means coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; and a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of the eccentric means for driving that eccentric means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
97 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of eccentric means coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of the eccentric means for driving that eccentric means; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming a plurality of enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding eccentric means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
76 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; and each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
110 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentric coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced location; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies disposed about a shaft, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance; and said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of the double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
144 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies disposed about a shaft, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance; said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of the double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming a plurality of enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding double eccentric.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
115 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; and the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
145 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; and said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
179 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming a plurality of enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding double eccentric.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
158 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined spaced locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at a corresponding predetermined location to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
189 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined spaced locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at corresponding predetermined spaced locations to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; and said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
223 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means includes a plurality of double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined spaced locations; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined spaced locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at a corresponding predetermined location to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; said plurality of spaced drive means further includes a plurality of drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; and said utilization device is configured to mate with the adjacent support member for forming a plurality of enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding double eccentric.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
78 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
103 words
A kinematic system as in claim 9, 12 or 13 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
133 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said eccentrics for driving that eccentric; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
167 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said eccentrics for driving that eccentric; said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming first, second and third enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding eccentric.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
147 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
179 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
214 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly with the rollers on each pair of ball bearing assemblies being oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming first, second and third enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding double eccentric.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
229 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of these rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at a corresponding predetermined location to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
261 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at a corresponding predetermined location to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; and said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
296 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; said first, second and third drive means include first, second and third double eccentrics coupled to the utilization device at predetermined locations equidistant from each other; each of said double eccentrics has a pair of ball bearing assemblies, and further has a roller mounted on each ball bearing assembly; the rollers on each of said pairs of ball bearing assemblies are oppositely displaced from each other by a selected distance so as to travel upward and downward with one of those rollers in contact with a bottom portion of the utilization device at one of said predetermined locations to position the utilization device parallel to the selected plane and with the other of those rollers in contact with a top portion of an adjacent support member at a corresponding predetermined location to move the utilization device relative to the support member in positioning the utilization device parallel to the selected plane; said first, second and third drive means further include first, second and third drive motor gear units each coupled to a corresponding one of said double eccentrics for driving that double eccentric; said constraining means comprises three spring members for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes; and said utilization device is configured to mate with an adjacent support member for forming first, second and third enclosures each enclosing a corresponding one of said drive motor gear units and its corresponding double eccentric.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
89 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; and said constraining means comprises an elongated spring member and an L-shaped spring member, coupled to the utilization device, for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said plurality of spaced drive means comprises three in number coupled to the utilization device at three predetermined locations disposed one hundred and twenty degrees apart.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
105 words
A kinematic system as in claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein: said plurality of spaced drive means comprises first, second and third drive means, coupled to the utilization device at three predetermined locations disposed one hundred and twenty degrees apart, for moving the utilization device along the first axis and for rotating the utilization device about the second and third axes; and said constraining means comprises an elongated spring member and an L-shaped spring member, coupled to the utilization device, for preventing rotation of the utilization device about the first axis and for preventing movement of the utilization device along the second and third axes.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
57 words
A kinematic system for positioning a utilization device along an axis, said system comprising: a base structure; a slide for supporting the utilization device; drive means for moving the slide relative to the base structure; and constraining means, including the drive means, for kinematically constraining the slide to move along said axis relative to the base structure.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
57 words
A kinematic system for positioning a utilization device along an axis, said system comprising: a base structure; a slide for supporting the utilization device; drive means for moving the slide relative to the base structure; and constraining means, including the drive means, for kinematically constraining the slide to move along said axis relative to the base structure.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
34 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31 wherein one of said slide and said base structure includes two spherical pin members and a V-block member for engagement with a portion of the drive means.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
47 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31 wherein: said drive means comprises single-axis drive means for moving the slide along said axis; and said constraining means comprises five air bearings, operable with the single-axis drive means, for kinematically constraining the slide to move only along said axis.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
27 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein said utilization device includes: an imaging lens; and a focus detector coupled to the drive means.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
34 words
A kinematic system as in claim 33 wherein one of said slide and said base structure includes two spherical pin members and a V-block member for engagement with a portion of the drive means.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
A kinematic system as in claim 35 wherein said utilization device includes: an imaging lens; and a focus detector coupled to the drive means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
36 words
A kinematic system as in claim 35 wherein said drive means includes first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
48 words
A kinematic system as in claim 37 wherein said drive means further includes: a drive motor gear unit coupled to the first universal joint; a nut coupled to the second universal joint, and a lead screw driven by the drive motor gear unit in engagement with the nut.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
22 words
A kinematic system as in claim 38 wherein: said lead screw is a ball screw; and said nut is a ball nut.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
27 words
A kinematic system as in claim 37, 38 or 39 wherein said utilization device includes: an imaging lens; and a focus detector coupled to the drive means.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
39 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein: said drive means includes first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
60 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein: said drive means includes first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide; said utilization device includes an imaging lens; and said utilization device further includes a focus detector coupled to the drive means.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
74 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein said drive means includes: first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide; a drive motor gear unit coupled to the first universal joint; a nut coupled to the second universal joint; and a lead screw driven by the drive motor gear unit in engagement with the nut.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
96 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein: said drive means includes first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide; said drive means further includes a drive motor gear unit coupled to the first universal joint, a nut coupled to the second universal joint, and a lead screw driven by the drive motor gear unit in engagement with the nut; and said utilization device includes an imaging lens, and a focus detector coupled to the drive means.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
76 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein said drive means includes: first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide; a drive motor gear unit coupled to the first universal joint; a ball nut coupled to the second universal joint; and a ball screw driven by the drive motor gear unit in engagement with the ball nut.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
98 words
A kinematic system as in claim 31, 32 or 33 wherein: said drive means includes first and second universal joints, one of which is coupled to the base structure and the other of which is coupled to the slide; said drive means further includes a drive motor gear unit coupled to the first universal joint, a ball nut coupled to the second universal joint, and a ball screw driven by the drive motor gear unit in engagement with the ball nut; and said utilization device includes an imaging lens, and a focus detector coupled to the drive means.