Nanometric drive apparatus
US4787148A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 13, 1987 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 13, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B3/18
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A nanometric drive apparatus providing superimposed coarse and fine adjustment for producing axially-directed linear displacement of a single linear displacement element. Linear displacement in the nanometric range is achieved. In the preferred embodiment an elongated shaft having finely pitched threads is controlled by a co-axially integrated coarse control knob. Superimposed and surrounding the coarsely controlled shaft is a nanometric drive assembly which includes a harmonic wave generator for differentially translating small rotational movement between concentric members of the drive assembly to the elongated shaft. The harmonic wave generator is coupled to the elongated shaft through a shaft engagement bearing friction sleeve which continually engages a reentrant sleeve urging the shaft forward in an axially linear direction for movement as small as the nanometric range, or as little as 8.6 millionths of an inch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.