Patent ID: 7284459
Filing Date: 2007-10-23
Classification: G11B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for positioning an object by rotating the object about a remote center of rotation outside a volume occupied by the system, the system comprising: a non-movable part providing a stationary reference structure; a movable part movable relative to the non-movable part; a connector coupled between the movable part and the object for positioning the object adjacent the remote center of rotation and for rotating the object about the remote center of rotation responsive to movement of the movable part, a movement of the connector being responsive to a movement of the movable part; a first force transmitting means coupled to the movable part for moving the movable part and the connector in a first direction, the first force transmitting means including at least a first flexure coupled to the movable part, the first flexure exhibiting a first stiffness in the first direction and a second stiffness in the second direction, the second stiffness being greater than the first stiffness, wherein movement of the connector in the first direction rotates the object about a first axis passing through the remote center of rotation; and a second force transmitting means coupled to the movable part for moving the movable part and the connector in a second direction, wherein movement of the connector in the second direction rotates the object about a second axis passing through the remote center of rotation.