Multimode focuser for astronomical telescope
AssigneeNanjing iOptron Astronomy S&T, Ltd.
InventorsNing Xu, Yonglie Jiao, Hua Jiang
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Abstract
A focuser for a telescope enables direct electric, controller-based, and manual modes of operation simultaneously. The focuser includes one or more electronic focus buttons, an electronic control port, and a manual focusing knob, allowing three simultaneously available focusing modes. For example, an operator can readily adjust the focus of an image using the button(s), control the focus via the control port using software or a separate control unit, and refine the focus using the manual knob. These focusing modes can be operated in any order and without having to change any physical configuration of the focuser, such as couplers or installation adapter plates.
Claims20
A focuser for a telescope, comprising:
- a base adapted to attach to the telescope;
- a focusing barrel adapted to receive an eyepiece or camera;
- and
- a multimode control assembly attached to or integral with the base, the multimode control assembly including a set of buttons, an electronic control port, and a focusing knob, the multimode control assembly constructed and arranged to move the focusing barrel back and forth relative to the base (i) in a first mode responsive to operation of the set of buttons, (ii) in a second mode responsive to commands received via the electronic control port, and (iii) in a third mode responsive to manual operation of the focusing knob.
A telescope, comprising:
- a tube that houses a light-collecting element;
- and
- a focuser arranged to receive and focus light from the light-collecting element, the focuser including:
- a base attached to the telescope;
- a focusing barrel adapted to receive an eyepiece or camera;
- and
- a multimode control assembly attached to or integral with the base, the multimode control assembly including a set of buttons, an electronic control port, and a focusing knob, the multimode control assembly constructed and arranged to move the focusing barrel back and forth relative to the base (i) in a first mode responsive to operation of the set of buttons, (ii) in a second mode responsive to commands received via the electronic control port, and (iii) in a third mode responsive to manual operation of the focusing knob.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.