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United States Patent
Methods and systems for controlling motion of and tracking a mechanically unattached probe

Patent Number: 7,189,969
Date of Patent: 13 March 2007
Inventors: Vicci; Leandra (Siler City, NC), Superfine; Richard (Chapel Hill, NC)
Assignee: The University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill, NC)
Appl. No.: 11/440,881
Filed: 25 May 2006
Int. Cl.: G01N 23/00
U.S. Cl.: 250/307 ; 250/306; 250/440.11; 250/442.11; 335/296; 702/168
9 Claims

Abstract
Methods and systems for controlling motion of and tracking a mechanically unattached magnetic probe are disclosed. One system for controlling motion of mechanically unattached magnetic probe may include a magnetic coil and pole assembly. The magnetic coil and pole assembly includes at least one pole carrier. The pole carrier includes a light transmissive substrate and a plurality of magnetic poles being patterned on the substrate for applying force to a mechanically unattached magnetic probe. A magnetic drive core provides a return path for magnetic flux flowing between the poles. A plurality of magnetic coils are wound around the magnetic drive core for conducting current and applying magnetic force to the probe through the pole pieces. A computer maintains the position of the probe within a volume defined by an optical tracking system by moving the probe and the system under test.