US5079641A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Assembly for static control and dynamic damping of an optical element
Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises LLC
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Filing: 1990-09-17
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Granted: 1992-01-07
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Expires: 2010-09-17
Abstract
Abstract An assembly suitable for statically controlling and dynamically damping an optical element, for example, a secondary mirror. The assembly realizes a novel design technique which treats the problems of static control and dynamic damping of the optical element, as subsumed moments of one independent problem. The one interdependent problem may be solved by way of a single structural design, featuring a unique lever arm, which can provide overlapping functions responsive, at one and the same time, to both moments.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip F. Marino
- 👤 Andrew J. Kalish
- 👤 Phillip Vallone
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:26
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B7/00; G02B7/18; G02B7/182
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
An assembly comprising: a) an optical element; b) a lever arm having a spring stiffness as seen by the optical element of at least 20 K pounds/inch, but less than 2 M pounds/inch; b) a flexure means having first and second ends, the first end being connected to the optical element; c) a dual functioning lever arm connected to the second end of the flexure means, for interdependently positioning and providing vibration control of the optical element, and comprising a spring stiffness of at least 20 K pounds/inch, but less than 2 M pounds/inch; d) a static position actuator for positioning the lever arm, thereby positioning the lever arm, thereby positioning the optical element by way of the flexure means; and e) a passive damping assembly for applying damping forces to the lever arm, thereby, by way of the flexure means, dampening perturbations to the optical element.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
147 words
An assembly comprising: a) an optical element; b) a lever arm having a spring stiffness as seen by the optical element of at least 20 K pounds/inch, but less than 2 M pounds/inch; b) a flexure means having first and second ends, the first end being connected to the optical element; c) a dual functioning lever arm connected to the second end of the flexure means, for interdependently positioning and providing vibration control of the optical element, and comprising a spring stiffness of at least 20 K pounds/inch, but less than 2 M pounds/inch; d) a static position actuator for positioning the lever arm, thereby positioning the lever arm, thereby positioning the optical element by way of the flexure means; and e) a passive damping assembly for applying damping forces to the lever arm, thereby, by way of the flexure means, dampening perturbations to the optical element.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the optical element comprises a secondary mirror.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the lever arm comprises Invar.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the flexure means comprises at least one graphite/epoxy tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
22 words
An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the passive damping assembly comprises a layer of visco-elastic material bonded to the lever arm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
An assembly according to claim 5, wherein the passive damping assembly further comprises a constraining layer bonded to the visco-elastic material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US4090781A
Cited
US4778233A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1995-01-06 | 1995-07-08 | 1996-01-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-01-06 | 1999-07-08 | 2000-01-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-01-06 | 2003-07-08 | 2004-01-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |