Kinematic mount for heavy optics
US4770497A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 31, 1986 |
| Grant date | Sep 13, 1988 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 31, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B7/008
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus 30 for kinematically mounting an optic 32, requiring more than three point support, to a structure 38. A holder 34 fixedly contains the optic 32. A ball 44, socket 46 and fastener 50 provide sole support of the optic 32 in three of the six degrees of freedom necessary for complete support. A ball 54, socket 56 and fastener 60 provide sole support of the optic 32 in two of the remaining three degrees of freedom. Two Belleville disc springs 64, a thrust washer 66, thrust bearing 68, one-half ball 70 and fastener 72 support the optic 32 on the structure 38 in the final degree of freedom without introducing redundancy in that final degree of freedom. By providing the capability of having numerous resilient support assemblies supporting the optic 32 in the final degree of freedom without introducing redundancy, heavy optics can be supported with very little structural or thermal distortions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.