US4293112A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compact mirror mount
Assignee: Jersey Nuclear Avco Isotopes Inc
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Filing: 1979-10-29
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Granted: 1981-10-06
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Expires: 1999-10-29
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for mounting and aligning an optical element on a support structure comprises pivot means for mounting the element so that it can rotate about axes in two orthogonal directions and a pair of alignment means, each comprising a plunger and an inclined guide groove, for rotating the element about the two respective axes. Adjustment means, such as threaded screws, are provided for urging the plunger along the inclined grooves. The grooves are inclined at a sufficiently small angle to permit precision alignment. In order to reduce temperature sensitivity, the path of plunger motion is directed towards the pivotal centers and axes of the mount, and the optical element is placed on the axis between the pivot and the plunger.
Inventors
- 👤 James A. Horton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 09:55
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/18; G02B7/182; G02B7/1822; G02B7/1824; G02B7/1825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for mounting and aligning an optical member on a support structure comprising: means for pivotally mounting such optical member onto such support structure in such a manner than the member can pivot about axes in two substantially orthogonal directions; first alignment means for pivoting said member about a first of said axes comprising (a) first and second surfaces on said member and said support structure, respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other and being oriented for guiding said plunger means generally along a line through said pivotal mounting, and (b) first plunger means for moving between said surfaces thereby to rotate said member; and second alignment means for pivoting said member about the second of said axes.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
119 words
Apparatus for mounting and aligning an optical member on a support structure comprising: means for pivotally mounting such optical member onto such support structure in such a manner than the member can pivot about axes in two substantially orthogonal directions; first alignment means for pivoting said member about a first of said axes comprising (a) first and second surfaces on said member and said support structure, respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other and being oriented for guiding said plunger means generally along a line through said pivotal mounting, and (b) first plunger means for moving between said surfaces thereby to rotate said member; and second alignment means for pivoting said member about the second of said axes.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for mounting and aligning an optical member on a support structure comprising: means for pivotally mounting such optical member onto such support structure in such a manner that the member can pivot about axes in two substantially orthogonal directions; first alignment means for pivoting said member about a first of said axes comprising (a) first and second surfaces on said member and said support structure respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other, and (b) plunger means for moving between and along said surfaces thereby to rotate said member; and second alignment means comprising (a) third and fourth surfaces on said member and said support structure, respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other, and (b) second plunger means for moving between and along said surfaces thereby to rotate said member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
Apparatus for mounting and aligning an optical member on a support structure comprising: means for pivotally mounting such optical member onto such support structure in such a manner that the member can pivot about axes in two substantially orthogonal directions; first alignment means for pivoting said member about a first of said axes comprising (a) first and second surfaces on said member and said support structure respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other, and (b) plunger means for moving between and along said surfaces thereby to rotate said member; and second alignment means comprising (a) third and fourth surfaces on said member and said support structure, respectively, said surfaces being inclined to each other, and (b) second plunger means for moving between and along said surfaces thereby to rotate said member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 wherein said first and second surfaces comprise grooves, and at least said first plunger means comprises a substantially spherical ball.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein: said first and second surfaces of said first alignment means are oriented for guiding said first plunger generally in alignment with said pivotal mounting; and said third and fourth surfaces of said second alignment means are oriented for guiding said second plunger generally in a plane containing said pivotal mounting.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 4 wherein said pivotal mounting means comprises a ball-and-socket mounting.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 4 wherein the optical member comprises reflecting means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus according to claim 1, 2 or 4 further comprising locking means for locking said optical device in position.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1984-10-05 | 1985-04-06 | 1985-10-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-10-05 | 1989-04-06 | 1989-10-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-10-05 | 1993-04-06 | 1993-10-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |