Gimbal assembly

US4721274A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Robert Erb · Plandome, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 21, 1985
• Grant date: Jan 26, 1988
• Expiry date: Aug 21, 2005

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T74/20201
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A gimbal assembly mounted in a housing, particularly in a laser beam manipulator, by which the change of direction for a reflected beam or the like is measured in a second of a degree-of-arc in motion. An element such as a specular one including a mirror is mounted within a gimbal ring subassembly, the compound or universal motion of which is actuated by a member such as a shaft that is operatively connected to a swivable member mounted in a structural frame member. Such operative connection provides for the same change in direction for the laser beam as the change of direction of movement for means controlling the swivel element. Or, the actuating member can be fixed to the swivel member by which the element moves in a direction opposite to the direction of movement for the controlling means (joystick). Means are provided to apply pressure to and on the swivel member to thereby ease or make difficult the manipulation of the joystick, depending on the desire of the operator. Manipulation of the joystick results in minute movement for the element, effectively controlling in a very sensitive way a change of direction for the reflected beam.