US4601553A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fine figuring actuator
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1984-10-17
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Granted: 1986-07-22
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Expires: 2004-10-17
Abstract
Abstract A novel mirror structure and actuator for precision control of the contour of a mirrored surface is described which comprises a movable control member for contacting the mirror faceplate, and a position controller, which may be in the form of an electrically controlled magnet and coil assembly, operatively interconnecting the control member and a rigid support for the mirror structure; a position sensor operatively interconnects the control member and the mirror support to sense the position of the control member and to provide a corresponding output signal; programmable information processing electronics, responsive to the output signal of the position sensor, provides an input signal to the position controller to move the control member against the faceplate whereby the shape of the faceplate may be controlled according to a preprogrammed scheme applied to the electronics.
Inventors
- 👤 John W. Pepi
- 👤 Christopher M. Finch
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 16:49
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/18; G02B7/182; G02B7/1822; G02B7/1827; G02B26/00; G02B26/08; G02B26/0816; G02B26/0825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
138 words
An actuator for controlling the shape of a faceplate supporting a mirrored surface, comprising: a. a substantially rigid support; b. a movable control member for contacting said faceplate; c. an electrically controlled magnet and coil assembly operatively interconnecting said rigid support and said control member and responsive to an input signal to said magnet and coil assembly, one of said magnet and coil operatively attached to said rigid support and the other operatively attached to said control member for controllably moving said member against said faceplate whereby the shape of said faceplate is controllably altered near the point of contact of said control member with said faceplate; and d. a position transducer operatively interconnecting said control member and said support, for sensing the position of said control member relative to said support and providing a corresponding output signal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
138 words
An actuator for controlling the shape of a faceplate supporting a mirrored surface, comprising: a. a substantially rigid support; b. a movable control member for contacting said faceplate; c. an electrically controlled magnet and coil assembly operatively interconnecting said rigid support and said control member and responsive to an input signal to said magnet and coil assembly, one of said magnet and coil operatively attached to said rigid support and the other operatively attached to said control member for controllably moving said member against said faceplate whereby the shape of said faceplate is controllably altered near the point of contact of said control member with said faceplate; and d. a position transducer operatively interconnecting said control member and said support, for sensing the position of said control member relative to said support and providing a corresponding output signal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
61 words
The actuator as recited in claim 1 further comprising programmable electronic means, operatively connected to said position transducer and magnet and coil assembly and responsive to said output signal, for processing said output signal and providing said input signal to said magnet and coil assembly whereby said member is controllably positioned according to a preprogrammed scheme applied to said electronics means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
154 words
A mirror structure comprising: a. a flexible faceplate having a first surface and a second surface, said faceplate supporting a mirrored surface on said first surface; b. a substantially rigid support; c. a movable control member contacting said faceplate at said second surface thereof; d. an electrically controlled magnet and coil assembly operatively interconnecting said rigid support and said control member and responsive to an input signal to said magnet and coil assembly, one of said magnet and coil operatively attached to said rigid support and the other operatively attached to said control member for controllably moving said member against said faceplate whereby the shape of said faceplate is controllably altered near the point of contact of said control member with said faceplate; and e. a position transducer operatively interconnecting said control member and said support, for sensing the position of said control member relative to said support and providing a corresponding output signal.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
154 words
A mirror structure comprising: a. a flexible faceplate having a first surface and a second surface, said faceplate supporting a mirrored surface on said first surface; b. a substantially rigid support; c. a movable control member contacting said faceplate at said second surface thereof; d. an electrically controlled magnet and coil assembly operatively interconnecting said rigid support and said control member and responsive to an input signal to said magnet and coil assembly, one of said magnet and coil operatively attached to said rigid support and the other operatively attached to said control member for controllably moving said member against said faceplate whereby the shape of said faceplate is controllably altered near the point of contact of said control member with said faceplate; and e. a position transducer operatively interconnecting said control member and said support, for sensing the position of said control member relative to said support and providing a corresponding output signal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
The mirror structure as recited in claim 3 further comprising programmable electronics means, operatively connected to said position transducer and magnet and coil assembly and responsive to said output signal, for processing said output signal and providing said input signal to said magnet and coil assembly whereby said member is controllably positioned according to a preprogrammed scheme applied to said electronics means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1989-07-21 | 1990-01-20 | 1990-07-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-07-21 | 1994-01-20 | 1994-07-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-07-21 | 1998-01-20 | 1998-07-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |