Chain driven positioning device methods and systems

Abstract

Aspects of the present invention relate to providing a chain driven positioning device. In embodiments, methods and systems are provided for the chain driven positioning device use in a vacuum environment. A method and system of a positioning device, providing a positioning arm; and driving the positioning arm with a chain.

1 . A method of operating a positioning device, comprising: 
 providing a positioning arm; and    driving the positioning arm with a chain.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the chain is a bicycle type chain.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein at least one chain is in the positioning arm.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the chain is formed of a material including at least one of stainless steel, nickel plated steel, aluminum, and titanium.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the positioning arm includes at least two sprockets.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the at least two sprockets engage the chain with one or more teeth.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the at least two sprockets are of equal size.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the at least two sprockets are of different sizes.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the at least two sprockets are formed of a material including at least one of stainless steel, nickel plated steel, aluminum, and titanium.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 5  wherein the at least two sprockets include a drive sprocket mounted on a rotating shaft.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the positioning device includes at least one chain drive position arm.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the chain drive position arm is within a vacuum.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 11  wherein the chain drive position arm includes a lubrication material.  
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13  wherein the lubrication material includes a vacuum compatible grease and a perfluorinated hydrocarbon.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising forming a sealed lubrication enclosure from the lubrication material, a flexible container, at least one chain, and at least one sprocket.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the flexible container is formed of at least one polymer.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the sealed lubrication enclosure includes a fixed seal on a rotating shaft.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the fixed seal partially twists the flexible container during a movement of the at least one chain drive position arm.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 18  wherein the at least one chain drive position arm rotates less than 360 degrees on the rotating shaft.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising evacuating a gas from the sealed lubrication enclosure.  
   
   
       21 . The method of  claim 20  wherein a self-sealing spring provides the fixed seal on the rotating shaft when the gases are evacuated.  
   
   
       22 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising maintaining a tension in the chain during operation with a self-adjusting tensioner.  
   
   
       23 . The method of  claim 22  further comprising maintaining a tension in the chain during operation with a plurality of self-adjusting tensioners.  
   
   
       24 . The method of  claim 22  wherein the self-adjusting tensioner includes a spring, a ratchet, and the chain.  
   
   
       25 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the self-adjusting tensioner includes a plurality of ratchets.  
   
   
       26 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising pushing the chain into the self-adjusting tensioner with the spring.  
   
   
       27 . The method of  claim 26  further comprising pushing the chain toward the ratchet with the spring when the chain is not in tension.  
   
   
       28 . The method of  claim 24  further comprising engaging a link of the chain with the ratchet.  
   
   
       29 . The method of  claim 28  further comprising pushing the link onto the ratchet with the spring.  
   
   
       30 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the chain is in tension when the ratchet locks on to the link.