Rotational and translational microposition apparatus and method

摘要

A rotational and translational microposition apparatus includes a first rotary motor, a second rotary motor and a linear motor. The first rotary motor surmounts an upstanding bracket mounted to a support surface. A rigid link having a right angle bend formed in it interconnects the first and second rotary motors to one another. A first end of the rigid link is secured to an output shaft of the first rotary motor and a second end of the rigid link is secured to a mounting plate to which is secured the second rotary motor. A linear motor has an output shaft connected to the output shaft of the second rotary motor. Selective operation of the three motors enables a probe to be positioned in an infinite plurality of positions that collectively form a cone where the tip of the probe is coincident with the vertex of the cone.