Alignment device with multiple spring systems
US6804892B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01C15/004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An alignment device provides one or more references, such as laser lines and planes in horizontal and vertical orientations. One version of the alignment device includes an optics mounting assembly situated in a pivot socket on a frame to provide an output beam. Multiple spring systems and one or more alignment assemblies align and secure the optics mounting assembly in the socket. As a result, the output beam has a desired orientation with respect to true level. A first spring system directs the optics mounting assembly through the pivot socket. A second spring system holds the optics mounting assembly in communication with the alignment assemblies to reduce system backlash. One implementation of the pivot socket has a surface in the form of a sphere's interior surface. A set of support members on the optics mounting assembly rest on the pivot socket's spherical surface—causing the output reference beam to extend from the center of a sphere including the socket's spherical surface. This reduces the translation of the output reference beam's origin when the optics mounting assembly pivots in the socket.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.