Importance

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Abstract

A workpiece micro-positioning apparatus for correcting small pitch and yaw location errors in a workpiece supported on a fixture for a manufacturing operation such as precision machining or assembly comprises a biaxial micro-positioner that includes pitch and yaw motion mechanisms that support a workpiece for rotation about respective pitch and yaw axes. The yaw motion mechanism supports the pitch motion mechanism for rotation about a yaw axis generally normal to the pitch axis. A base supports the yaw motion mechanism. A fixture fixed to the micro-positioner releasably holds a workpiece. The micro-positioner allows the fixture to rotate about the pitch and yaw axes to correct any pitch and yaw deviations from a desired workpiece attitude relative to the base and to releasably lock the pitch and yaw motion mechanisms following such correction. A manufacturing tool releasably supports the micro-positioner and rotates the micro-positioner, fixture and a workpiece mounted in the fixture, about a roll axis generally normal to the pitch and yaw axes as required to correct any roll error in workpiece attitude. The manufacturing tool then performs a manufacturing operation on the workpiece.

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First Claim