Instrument carrier enabling star to be tracked continuously - comprises motor driven assembly for rotation and inclination of instrument, depending on star position

Abstract

Abstract An astronomical instrument is used to follow the course of a star of satellite and is mounted on a carrier which is driven continuously around an axis. This method does not require sensors and is therefore useable during the night or day or during bad weather. An instrument carrier comprises a primary axis in the form of a screw (11) which is rotated in a fixed tube (12) by a motor and reduction gear assembly (15). A nut (18) in the tube moves a drive arm (32) which in turn moves an inclining arm (33) attached to an instrument (45) to allow it to be orientated as a function of the inclination of the star. The instrument is mounted in a pivoting frame (40) which is able to rotate as the motor shaft rotates to permit tracking of the star in two directions.

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