US4595257A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Support mechanism utilizing flexual pivots
Assignee: ITP Inc A CORP OF CA
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Filing: 1983-05-18
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Granted: 1986-06-17
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Expires: 2003-05-18
Abstract
Abstract Flexual pivots are utilized as part of supporting elements in a mechanism requiring a high degree of precision of movement over an extremely small distance. An example illustrated is for a microscope used in viewing micropatterns on an integrated circuit chip wherein a focusing element is supported by such a flexual pivot structure.
Inventors
- 👤 David G. Fladlien
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 12:39
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61B; A61B17/00; A61B17/32; G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/003; G02B7/005; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/21; Y10T74/2142; Y10T74/2144
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
A mechanism supporting a first member with respect to a second member in a manner permitting smooth and controllable motion therebetween over a small distance, comprising a pair of supports connected to said members at spaced apart locations, each of said supports including three flexual pivots therealong, two oriented in a direction extending between said members and the other extending in a direction substantially orthogonal thereto, whereby said first and second members maintain a parallel relationship with each other and ends of said supports remain straight as the members are moved over said small distance.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
A mechanism supporting a first member with respect to a second member in a manner permitting smooth and controllable motion therebetween over a small distance, comprising a pair of supports connected to said members at spaced apart locations, each of said supports including three flexual pivots therealong, two oriented in a direction extending between said members and the other extending in a direction substantially orthogonal thereto, whereby said first and second members maintain a parallel relationship with each other and ends of said supports remain straight as the members are moved over said small distance.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
17 words
A system for moving a carrier over a small distance with respect to a base member, comprising:
Claim 4
Independent Claim
17 words
A system for moving a carrier over a small distance with respect to a base member, comprising:
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
168 words
at least a pair of supports connected between said carrier and said base member at spaced apart locations, each of said pair of supports including a single piece of elongated material of a particular cross-sectional dimension chosen for it to be rigid in all dimensions over its entire length except for a plurality of locations therealong wherein its cross section is narrowed in at least one direction in order to provide enough flexibility at those locations to allow said carrier to be moved over said small distance, means operably connected to said carrier for smoothly and controllably moving said carrier over said small distance, and, wherein, the narrowed cross-sectional locations are at least three in number, two of the three narrowed portions being oriented in a direction extending between the carrier and the base member and the other extending substantially orthogonally thereto, whereby said carrier maintains a parallel relationship with said base member and ends of supports remain straight as the carrier is moved over said small distance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
168 words
at least a pair of supports connected between said carrier and said base member at spaced apart locations, each of said pair of supports including a single piece of elongated material of a particular cross-sectional dimension chosen for it to be rigid in all dimensions over its entire length except for a plurality of locations therealong wherein its cross section is narrowed in at least one direction in order to provide enough flexibility at those locations to allow said carrier to be moved over said small distance, means operably connected to said carrier for smoothly and controllably moving said carrier over said small distance, and, wherein, the narrowed cross-sectional locations are at least three in number, two of the three narrowed portions being oriented in a direction extending between the carrier and the base member and the other extending substantially orthogonally thereto, whereby said carrier maintains a parallel relationship with said base member and ends of supports remain straight as the carrier is moved over said small distance.
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) | 1989-06-16 | 1989-12-16 | 1990-06-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-06-16 | 1993-12-16 | 1994-06-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-06-16 | 1997-12-16 | 1998-06-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |