Supports – Machinery support – Base or platform
Reexamination Certificate
1999-10-27
2001-05-08
King, Anita M. (Department: 3632)
Supports
Machinery support
Base or platform
C248S638000, C248S346400, C248S396000, C108S051300, C108S165000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06227515
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of stable platforms, such as optical and analytical devices, high-resolution production devices, metrology and microscopy applications on a substantially vibration free surface. More specifically, the present invention relates to a variable mass platform.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Vibration isolation tables are used for supporting highly sensitive equipment, such as optical and analytical devices, on a substantially vibration free surface. Simple forms of these tables are well known and generally include a range of designs from thick granite to a tabletop comprising metallic upper and lower surfaces with connecting sidewalls. The upper surface of the tabletop typically contains a plurality of holes, usually drilled and tapped, that are used for securing equipment, such as optical equipment and the like, upon the upper or lower surfaces of the tabletop. For the most part, these tabletops are manufactured from extremely heavy materials and, when assembled, are heavy, bulky, and difficult to move or reposition. These tabletops are often supported by a vibration isolation system. An example of a vibration isolation system used with such a table would be the isolation system described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,360,184.
There have been some attempts to reduce the weight of these tables without a loss of structural strength. Previously a honeycomb core has been incorporated into these tables, with or without additional stiffening or damping components, which maintains a rigid separation between the top and bottom surfaces and therefore increasing the structural integrity of the tabletop while reducing the overall weight. These tabletops are commonly referred to as honeycomb tabletops. The honeycomb tabletop is an efficient structure for providing an array of tapped holes while also meeting the needs of flatness, and reasonable weight.
These tabletops need to be very heavy in order to reduce the vibratory effects of individuals brushing up against them, mechanical movement of instruments placed upon them, and/or external vibration sources. However, their heavy weight makes them difficult to move and/or reposition conveniently. Indeed, many optical tables, once positioned, are never again repositioned due to the great effort and expense required.
Thus, there is a need for a variable mass platform that is constructed in such a way that the overall mass of the table top may be varied as needed, from lightweight for movement and repositioning to heavyweight for vibration dampening and stability. Further, there is a need for a variable mass platform that also allows the user to “tune” the resonant null frequency of the platform to optimize the vibration signature with various pieces of equipment mounted on the table.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a platform, such as a tabletop, in which the overall mass of the platform may be varied.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a platform wherein the mass of the platform is varied by introducing or removing from the interior of the platform a filling fluid.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a platform that includes an expandable table surface for increasing the effective work area of the platform surface.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a platform that includes a removable table surface that allows for any included holes to be easily cleaned when not actually attached to the platform.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a platform with a table surface that includes drilled and tapped holes, each drilled and tapped hole having a tapered profile at the bottom of the hole to prevent any bolts or screws from inadvertently projecting below the bottom of the table surface.
The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its structure and its operation together with the additional object and advantages thereof will best be understood from the following description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless specifically noted, it is intended that the words and phrases in the specification and claims be given the ordinary and accustomed meaning to those of ordinary skill in the applicable art or arts. If any other meaning is intended, the specification will specifically state that a special meaning is being applied to a word or phrase. Likewise, the use of the words “function” or “means” in the Description of Preferred Embodiments is not intended to indicate a desire to invoke the special provision of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6 to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are sought to be invoked to define the invention(s), the claims will specifically state the phrases “means for” or “step for” and a function, without also reciting in such phrases any structure, material, or act in support of the function. Even when the claims recite a “means for” or “step for” performing a function, if they also recite any structure, material or acts in support of that means of step, then the intention is not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6. Moreover, even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, are invoked to define the inventions, it is intended that the inventions not be limited only to the specific structure, material or acts that are described in the preferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures, materials or acts that perform the claimed function, along with any and all known or later-developed equivalent structures, materials or acts for performing the claimed function.
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King Anita M.
Marsh Steven
The Halvorson Law Firm
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