US4381884A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Adjustable holder for an optical element
Assignee: United States, AIR FOCE, Secretary of
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Filing: 1981-05-28
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Granted: 1983-05-03
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Expires: 2001-05-28
Abstract
Abstract An adjustable holder has a base, a cover and a sphere-like element for supporting a prism or other optical element within a central cavity formed in the base. The base and cover have interior spherical surface portions which are engaged by exterior spherical surface portions on the prism-supporting element so as to allow universal movement of the prism relative to the base for readjusting the angular position of the prism relative thereto in roll, pitch and yaw simultaneously. The cover may be tightened onto the base for clamping the sphere-like element therebetween and holding the prism in the desired adjusted position.
Inventors
- 👤 Omer Houle
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 19:02
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/18; G02B7/1805
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
224 words
An adjustable holder for an optical element, comprising: (a) a base having a portion defining a first spherical surface; (b) a cover mountable to said base and having a portion defining a second spherical surfaces spaced from, but facing, said first spherical surface when said cover is mounted to said base; (c) means for supporting the optical element, said supporting means capable of being disposed between said base and cover and having spherical surface portions at its opposite ends engageable with said first and second spherical surface portions of said base and cover along a common spherical surface for allowing universal movement of said supporting means relative to said base, when said supporting means is disposed between said base and cover; and (d) means for attaching said cover to said base so as to apply forces through said first and second spherical surface portions of said base and cover and against said opposite end spherical surface portions of said supporting means for clamping the same in a fixed angular position relative to said base, said attaching means being adjustable for varying the magnitude of said forces so applied to allow said supporting means to be universally moved relative to said base to readjust the angular position of said supporting means and optical element therewith relative to said base in roll, pitch and yaw simultaneously.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
224 words
An adjustable holder for an optical element, comprising: (a) a base having a portion defining a first spherical surface; (b) a cover mountable to said base and having a portion defining a second spherical surfaces spaced from, but facing, said first spherical surface when said cover is mounted to said base; (c) means for supporting the optical element, said supporting means capable of being disposed between said base and cover and having spherical surface portions at its opposite ends engageable with said first and second spherical surface portions of said base and cover along a common spherical surface for allowing universal movement of said supporting means relative to said base, when said supporting means is disposed between said base and cover; and (d) means for attaching said cover to said base so as to apply forces through said first and second spherical surface portions of said base and cover and against said opposite end spherical surface portions of said supporting means for clamping the same in a fixed angular position relative to said base, said attaching means being adjustable for varying the magnitude of said forces so applied to allow said supporting means to be universally moved relative to said base to readjust the angular position of said supporting means and optical element therewith relative to said base in roll, pitch and yaw simultaneously.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
90 words
The adjustable holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said supporting means includes: a pair of spaced apart spherical segments defining said respective spherical surface portions; a central membrane web interconnecting said spherical segments, the optical element being supported at one side of said web between said spherical segments; and adjusting means disposed between said spherical segments at a side of said web opposite to its one side for causing said spherical segments to securely clamp said optical element therebetween and in fixed relationship to said segments and interconnecting web.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The adjustable holder as recited in claim 1, wherein said base includes a plurality of windows through which light rays may be transmitted to and from the optical element.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The adjustable holder as recited in claims 1 or 2, wherein said attaching means includes a plurality of fasteners for attaching said cover to said base and concurrently clamping said supporting means therebetween.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The adjustable holder as recited in claims 1 or 2, wherein at least one of said base and cover has an opening defined therein for providing access to said supporting means to facilitate moving the same to readjust the angular position of said supporting means and optical element relative to said base.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
53 words
The adjustable holder as recited in claim 5, wherein said supporting means has a recess defined therein aligned with said opening in said one of said base and cover, said recess being configured to accept a tool for use in universally moving said supporting means to readjust the angular position of the same.
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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) | 1986-05-02 | 1986-11-01 | 1987-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-05-02 | 1990-11-01 | 1991-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-05-02 | 1994-11-01 | 1995-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |