Patent ID: 7815373

Claim:
A spindle, comprising: two solid components forming a kinematic system connected through at least six discrete bearing contacts disposed symmetrically about an axis of rotation of the spindle, wherein three of the six discrete bearing contacts engage a first rotationally symmetric reference surface disposed about the axis of rotation of the spindle and three of the six discrete bearing contacts engage a second rotationally symmetric reference surface disposed about the axis of rotation of the spindle, wherein the first rotationally symmetric reference surface is spaced apart from the second rotationally symmetric reference surface along the axis of rotation of the spindle; and wherein one or more, but not all, of the six discrete bearing contacts connect to one of the two solid components via a compliant mount to generate a force at the bearing contact to support and maintain the other bearing contacts, and wherein each of the compliant mounts comprises a compliant flexure comprising a locally thinned portion manufactured into one of a housing and a housing insert disposed about the axis of rotation of the spindle.