The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jan. 21, 1986
Filed:
May. 24, 1984
Richard D Sedgewick, Dover, NH (US);
Other;
Abstract
Apparatus is described for precise placement of an object or sensing or measurement of a parameter using a plurality of tilt plates in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship forming a stack. Adjacent pairs of tilt plates in the stack are joined by unitary hinge plates secured to respective edges of each adjacent pair of tilt plates on one side. Each hinge plate is constructed and arranged of rigid elastic material for controlled elastic bending and recovery under applied bending moment stress. A plurality of spreader elements are provided operatively coupled to each pair of adjacent tilt plates at the side opposite the respective hinge plate. A spreader actuator actuates the spreaders for imparting tilting motion to the respective pair of tilt plates by varying the spacing of the pair of adjacent tilt plates relative to each other at one side imparting bending moment stress to the hinge plate on the other side. An object or sensor coupled to the top or end of the stack may be precisely placed, positioned or moved by controlled actuation of the spreaders. Parameters accurately measured by using, for example, temperature sensitive, pressure sensitive or weight sensitive motional response spreader elements. Passive motion sensors or transducers may be substituted for the spreaders for sensing motin or deflection. Strain gauges may be applied to the hinge plates for the same purpose. The apparatus is applied, by way of example, in retrofitting a conventional grinder for fine adjustment and precise placement of a workpiece relative to a working tool. Other applications include work holders, manipulators, robots, measuring instruments, scales, springs, bellows and deflection devices.