US3861786A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
System for mounting an optical lens in a holder for limited movement along a fixed axis
Assignee: AT&T Teletype Corp
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Filing: 1973-05-17
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Granted: 1975-01-21
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Expires: 1993-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A pair of flexible washers are used to mount a workpiece in a fixed outer holder for precise movement along a fixed axis A. Inner portions of the washers are secured to spaced portions along the workpiece so that the washers project from the workpiece in spaced planes perpendicular to the axis A. Outer portions of the washers are clamped in the holder so that they cannot move. The inner portions of the washers are free to move with the workpiece, so that this mounting permits limited movement of the workpiece precisely along the fixed axis A. The system is particularly advantageous in positioning of optical lenses such as are used in focusing a laser beam on a substrate, where the position of the lens must be adjusted to follow the surface of the substrate.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger B Badgett
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 15:31
CPC Classifications
G; G11; G11B; G11B7/00; G11B7/08; G11B7/09; G11B7/0908; G11B7/0914; G11C; G11C13/00; G11C13/04; G11C13/048
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
346 words
In combination with an apparatus for mounting an optical lens for limited movement along a fixed lens axis A, of the type having a cylindrical lens housing defining the axis A; a fixed outer support member having a cylindrical bore, within which the lens housing is concentrically mounted; a pair of spaced, parallel, flexible washers for mounting the lens housing concentrically in the support member, the washers having inner portions fixed to spaced portions of the lens housing so that the inner portions of the washers are constrained to follow movement of the lens housing along the A axis; means for securing outer edges of the washers within the support member; and means engaging portions of the lens housing for moving the housing limited distances along the A axis, the flexible mounting washers preventing lateral travel of the lens housing during such movement; an improved mounting and positioning mechanism characterized in that: A. the outer support member is mounted vertically and is formed with an inwardly projecting annular ledge near its base for receiving and supporting outer portions of the periphery of a first one of the washers; and B. the means for securing comprises a lower mounting ring fitting slidably and closely within the bore of the outer support member above the ledge, the lower mounting ring having a bottom surface shaped to engage outer peripheral portions of the first washer and to urge those portions against the ledge of the support member, the lower ring also having an upper surface shaped to receive and support outer portions of the periphery of the second washer thereon, an upper mounting ring fitting slidably and closely within the bore of the outer support member above the first ring and having a bottom surface shaped to engage outer peripheral portions of the second washer and to urge those portions against the upper supporting surface of the first ring, and means for pressing the upper ring downward to force both rings toward the ledge so that both washers are detachably clamped within the outer support member by the rings.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
346 words
In combination with an apparatus for mounting an optical lens for limited movement along a fixed lens axis A, of the type having a cylindrical lens housing defining the axis A; a fixed outer support member having a cylindrical bore, within which the lens housing is concentrically mounted; a pair of spaced, parallel, flexible washers for mounting the lens housing concentrically in the support member, the washers having inner portions fixed to spaced portions of the lens housing so that the inner portions of the washers are constrained to follow movement of the lens housing along the A axis; means for securing outer edges of the washers within the support member; and means engaging portions of the lens housing for moving the housing limited distances along the A axis, the flexible mounting washers preventing lateral travel of the lens housing during such movement; an improved mounting and positioning mechanism characterized in that: A. the outer support member is mounted vertically and is formed with an inwardly projecting annular ledge near its base for receiving and supporting outer portions of the periphery of a first one of the washers; and B. the means for securing comprises a lower mounting ring fitting slidably and closely within the bore of the outer support member above the ledge, the lower mounting ring having a bottom surface shaped to engage outer peripheral portions of the first washer and to urge those portions against the ledge of the support member, the lower ring also having an upper surface shaped to receive and support outer portions of the periphery of the second washer thereon, an upper mounting ring fitting slidably and closely within the bore of the outer support member above the first ring and having a bottom surface shaped to engage outer peripheral portions of the second washer and to urge those portions against the upper supporting surface of the first ring, and means for pressing the upper ring downward to force both rings toward the ledge so that both washers are detachably clamped within the outer support member by the rings.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the pressing means includes a spring clip mounted in the ouTer support member and engaging slanted upper surfaces of the upper ring to lock the rings in fixed positions within the outer support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
58 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein the pressing means further includes a coil spring mounted between portions of the upper ring and portions of the lens housing for urging the housing downward within the support member so that portions of the lens housing are biased into engagement with portions of the moving means for the lens housing.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
62 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 3, wherein the moving means for the lens housing comprises: a pivoted link having portions engaging portions of the lens housing from the side opposite to the spring, the spring urging the housing into engagement with the portions of the link, and a cam for pivoting the link so as to set the position of the housing.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
154 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for moving the lens housing comprises: a U-shaped bail having arms spaced to closely straddle portions of the lens housing; means for pivotably mounting one end of the bail within the outer support member so that the other end protrudes from the holder for arcuate movement up and down with respect thereto, the lower ring and outer support member having slots for receiving the arms of the bail and permitting such pivoting movement, the bail having portions formed along the upper ends of the arms engaging portions of the lens housing so as to elevate the lens housing on upward movement of the bail; means for biasing the lens housing downward against the bail so that the housing follows downward pivoting movement of the bail; and means for pivoting the outer end of the bail up and down to adjust the position of the lens.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
138 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 5, in combination with beam-recording apparatus comprising: a recording arm mounted for lateral movement with respect to a rotating disc record to select specific recording tracks in a recording surface of the record; and means for securing the outer support member of the lens assembly on the recording arm so that the lens faces the recording surface, is centered on axis A, and is initially spaced from the recording surface a preset nominal recording distance therefrom; and wherein the means for pivoting the outer end of the bail comprises: a motor mounted on the recording arm; a rotary cam driven by the motor; and a cam follower mounted on the outer end of the bail and responsive to movement of the cam for adjusting the focus of the lens on the recording surface.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
243 words
In combination with an apparatus for mounting an optical lens for limited movement along a fixed lens axis A, of the type having a cylindrical lens housing defining the axis A, a fixed outer support member having a cylindrical bore, means for mounting the lens housing concentrically in the support member for movement along the A axis, and means engaging portions of the lens housing for moving the housing limited distances along the A axis to focus the lens, an improved positioning mechanism characterized in that: A. the outer support member and lens housing are mounted vertically; B. the means for moving the lens housing comprises: a U-shaped bail having arms spaced to closely straddle portions of the lens housing; means for pivotably mounting one end of the bail within the outer support member so that the other end protrudes from the holder for arcuate movement up and down with respect thereto, the outer support member having slots for receiving the arms of the bail and permitting such pivoting movement, the bail having portions formed along the upper ends of the arms engaging portions of the lens housing so as to elevate the lens housing on upward movement of the bail; means in the support member for biasing the lens housing downward against the bail so that the housing follows downward pivoting movement of the bail; and means for pivoting the outer end of the bail up and down to focUs the lens.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
243 words
In combination with an apparatus for mounting an optical lens for limited movement along a fixed lens axis A, of the type having a cylindrical lens housing defining the axis A, a fixed outer support member having a cylindrical bore, means for mounting the lens housing concentrically in the support member for movement along the A axis, and means engaging portions of the lens housing for moving the housing limited distances along the A axis to focus the lens, an improved positioning mechanism characterized in that: A. the outer support member and lens housing are mounted vertically; B. the means for moving the lens housing comprises: a U-shaped bail having arms spaced to closely straddle portions of the lens housing; means for pivotably mounting one end of the bail within the outer support member so that the other end protrudes from the holder for arcuate movement up and down with respect thereto, the outer support member having slots for receiving the arms of the bail and permitting such pivoting movement, the bail having portions formed along the upper ends of the arms engaging portions of the lens housing so as to elevate the lens housing on upward movement of the bail; means in the support member for biasing the lens housing downward against the bail so that the housing follows downward pivoting movement of the bail; and means for pivoting the outer end of the bail up and down to focUs the lens.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
138 words
Apparatus as recited in claim 7, in combination with beam-recording apparatus comprising: a recording arm mounted for lateral movement with respect to a rotating disc record to select specific recording tracks in a recording surface of the record; and mean for securing the outer support member of the lens assembly on the recording arm so that the lens faces the recording surface, is centered on axis A, and is initially spaced from the recording surface a preset nominal recording distance therefrom; and wherein the means for pivoting the outer end of the bail comprises: a motor mounted on the recordng arm; a rotary cam driven by the motor; and a cam follower mounted on the outer end of the bail and responsive to movement of the cam for adjusting the focus of the lens on the recording surface.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-01-20 | 1978-07-22 | 1979-01-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-01-20 | 1982-07-22 | 1983-01-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-01-20 | 1986-07-22 | 1987-01-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |