Precision alignment apparatus
US4570343A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 23, 1985 |
| Grant date | Feb 18, 1986 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 23, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/0004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A precision alignment apparatus for precisely orienting and stabilizing the orientation of a sensor, for example a magnetometer sensor, is disclosed. The simplest embodiment of the invention consists of a sensor support and a second support on which the sensor support is mounted with a trunnion. A wedge engages the two supports on one side of the trunnion axis so that advancement of the wedge will rotate the two supports relative to one another. A lead screw connected to the wedge serves to advance and retract the wedge relative to the supports. Rotation of the two supports is opposed by a stabilization mechanism that can be another wedge and lead screw assembly or a spring. In more complex embodiments an additional support and an additional wedge mechanism are employed for orienting the sensor about another axis. Three axis adjustment is likewise possible.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.