System for moving and positioning an object such as a tool

摘要

A system for moving and positioning an object such as a tool. The system has a first assembly that has a first rotatable portion that is rotatable about a first axis, and a second assembly that has a second rotatable portion that is rotatable about a second axis that is not coincident with the first axis. The system may include a third assembly that has a third rotatable portion that is rotatable about a third axis that is not coincident with the second axis. The assemblies are coupled such that rotation of the first rotatable portion causes eccentric rotation of the second and third rotatable portions about the first axis. The system also includes a controller for causing one, two or all three of the rotatable portions to rotate, so as to establish a desired position of an object that is coupled to the system.