Apparatus and method for lens adjustment
US6479823B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J5/0025
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A vernier ratchet-type lens adjuster for use with a lens array allows for fine adjustment of the coverage pattern of a sensor. The lens array can have notches, or teeth, that interact with a single tooth, or pawl, of a lens adjuster unit to maintain the position of the lens array. A user can make fine adjustments to the coverage pattern of the sensor by moving the lens array small increments. Alternatively, a rack and pinion type vernier adjuster can be used. One edge of the lens array has notches, forming the teeth of a rack portion. A pinion, or gear, has compatible teeth for mating with the rack portion. The pinion has a knob or screw accessible from a port in the sensor housing. When assembled, the rack, pinion and lens array are mated. A user can adjust the coverage pattern of the lens array by rotating the pinion, which in turn moves the rack, or the lens array, along a predetermined path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.