Patent ID: 6075924
Filing Date: 2000-06-13
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An intelligent motion surface for transporting at least one object over a surface, comprising:a plurality of independently controllable force producing devices for moving the object multidirectionally and parallel to the surface;a plurality of driving devices, said driving devices engaging said controllable force producing devices for independently operating each of said force producing devices, wherein each driving device causes each force producing device to operate in a separate direction;definition means for defining at least one force area on the intelligent motion surface based on object shape, object size, and desired position of the object on the intelligent motion surface; andprogramming means for translating the force areas established by the definition means to produce a desired force vector over the intelligent motion surface, wherein force applied to the driving devices and controllable force producing devices located within the force areas produces movement of at least one object in a desired direction;wherein said independently controllable force producing devices each comprise:a main beam having a main beam base and a tip located thereon;a secondary beam having a secondary beam base thereon, wherein said secondary beam adjoins said main beam at a pivot point located along said main beam;a main base joint pivotally attached to said main beam base; anda secondary beam joint pivotally attached to said secondary beam base; andwherein said beam joints are linearly driven by said driving devices, and motion of said beam joints operates said main beam and said secondary beam thereby moving said tip in a curvilinear direction.