US4541689A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Friction wedge alignment system for laser diode collimator pens
Assignee: Philips North America LLC
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Filing: 1983-09-19
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Granted: 1985-09-17
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Expires: 2003-09-19
Abstract
Abstract A wedge/taper alignment ring is used to hold the objective lens of a laser light pen in place. The ring is free to move in the axial direction under forces of thermal expansion and shock, decreasing distortion and misalignment to the objective. Moreover, it centers the mechanical axis of the objective to that of the housing. A spring with a high restoring force moves the ring back into place.
Inventors
- 👤 P. Guy Howard
- 👤 Roeland M. T. Hekker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 12:46
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/02; G02B7/026; G02B27/00; G02B27/18; G02B27/20
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
A laser light pen objective lens alignment apparatus comprising: a cylindrical pen body; an objective lens housing body having a tapered end slidably mounted in said pen body; means for limiting the freedom of movement of said objective lens housing body in a first direction; a ring, having a tapered end adapted to mate with the tapered end of said housing body, slidably mounted in said housing body and further adapted to expand and press against the interior surface of said pen body when the tapered ends of said ring and said housing body are mated under force to create a friction force tending to maintain the position of the ring; a spring fixedly mounted in said pen body and abutting said ring and having a sufficient restoring force to move the ring against the resistance of said frictional force.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
A laser light pen objective lens alignment apparatus comprising: a cylindrical pen body; an objective lens housing body having a tapered end slidably mounted in said pen body; means for limiting the freedom of movement of said objective lens housing body in a first direction; a ring, having a tapered end adapted to mate with the tapered end of said housing body, slidably mounted in said housing body and further adapted to expand and press against the interior surface of said pen body when the tapered ends of said ring and said housing body are mated under force to create a friction force tending to maintain the position of the ring; a spring fixedly mounted in said pen body and abutting said ring and having a sufficient restoring force to move the ring against the resistance of said frictional force.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The alignment apparatus of claim 1 in which said ring comprises one or more joint means at said tapered end for assisting the expansion of said ring.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4431267A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-09-16 | 1989-03-18 | 1989-09-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-09-16 | 1993-03-18 | 1993-09-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-09-16 | 1997-03-18 | 1997-09-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |