Abstract
A workpiece aligner 10 comprises a base 12, an actuation assembly for moving a workpiece support 16, and wherein the actuation assembly comprises first, second and third rotary actuators 18A-C. Each rotary actuator driving a respective cammed rotor 22A-C which, when rotated, causes the support to move relative to the base, such that the actuation assembly is selectively operative to move the support to cause a translation of the support parallel to a plane, a rotation of the support about an axis orthogonal to that plane, or a combination of said translation and said rotation. A mounting (102, Fig.14) for supporting one or more workpiece aligners thereon, comprises an upper surface having one or more docks (104, Fig.14) for releasably and repeatably receiving a respective workpiece aligner. Each dock comprises electrical contacts (106, Fig.14) for exchanging electrical signals with the respective workpiece aligner and a vacuum port (108, 110, Fig.14) which aligns with a vacuum aperture of the respective workpiece aligner when received therein. The mounting comprises a pneumatic manifold for providing an at least partial vacuum to each of the workpiece aligners, via the respective vacuum ports, supported thereon.