Low profile, high load vertical rolling positioning stage

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:870471

Shu, Deming ^[1]; Barraza, Juan ^[2]

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1. Darien, IL
2. Aurora, IL

A stage or support platform assembly for use in a synchrotron accurately positions equipment to be used in the beam line of the synchrotron. The support platform assembly includes an outer housing in which is disposed a lifting mechanism having a lifting platform or stage at its upper extremity on which the equipment is mounted. A worm gear assembly is located in the housing and is adapted to raise and lower a lifting shaft that is fixed to the lifting platform by an anti-binding connection. The lifting platform is moved vertically as the lifting shaft is moved vertically. The anti-binding connection prevents the shaft from rotating with respect to the platform, but does permit slight canting of the shaft with respect to the lifting platform so as to eliminate binding and wear due to possible tolerance mismatches. In order to ensure that the lifting mechanism does not move in a horizontal direction as it is moved vertically, at least three linear roller bearing assemblies are arranged around the outer-periphery of the lifting mechanism. One of the linear roller bearing assemblies can be adjusted so that the roller bearings apply a loading force against the lifting mechanism. Alternatively, a cam mechanism can be used to provide such a loading force.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-31109-ENG-38
• Assignee: University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
• Patent Number(s): US 5526903
• OSTI ID: 870471
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

profile
load
vertical
rolling
positioning
stage
support
platform
assembly
synchrotron
accurately
positions
equipment
beam
line
outer
housing
disposed
lifting
mechanism
upper
extremity
mounted
worm
gear
located
adapted
raise
shaft
fixed
anti-binding
connection
moved
vertically
prevents
rotating
respect
permit
slight
canting
eliminate
binding
wear
due
tolerance
mismatches
ensure
move
horizontal
direction
linear
roller
bearing
assemblies
arranged
outer-periphery
adjusted
bearings
apply
loading
force
alternatively
provide
moved vertically
worm gear
beam line
gear assembly
outer housing
bearing assemblies
roller bearing
wear due
roller bearings
horizontal direction
upper extremity
support platform
accurately position
platform assembly
accurately positions
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