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US 4,383,763 AGranted
Controllable mirrors
AssigneeLitton Systems, Inc.
InventorsThomas J. Hutchings, David C. Grant, Jr., Gary D. Babcock
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A mirror constrained to translation and whose position is controlled by a piezoelectric ceramic operating as a bimorph.
Claims15
In combination:
- a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart flexible membranes, the radial boundaries of said membranes being circularly symmetrical about a common axis;
- a first rigid rim member connecting the outer boundaries of said membranes;
- a rigid central post member positioned for translation along said axis and connecting the inner boundaries of said membranes;
- a rigid hub member axially positioned and adjacent and coaxial with a first end of said central post member, including bearing means attached to said hub member and bearing upon said first end of said central post member;
- a metallic membrane attached at its inner boundary to said hub member and, in its undeflected condition extending radially from said hub member;
- a second rim member including axially-directed flexible members on the edge thereof attached to said first rigid rim member and a rigid portion attached to the outer boundary of said metallic membrane;
- a pair of piezoelectric wafers positioned and attached to opposite surfaces of said metallic membrane;
- means for applying control voltage between said metallic membrane and the other surfaces of said piezoelectric wafers;
- and
- a mirror positioned on the second end of said central post member with its reflecting surface directed away from said flexible membranes and symmetrical with respect to said axis.
7 more elements
In combination:
- a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart first and second flexible membranes, the boundaries of said membranes being symmetrical about a common axis;
- a first rigid rim member connecting the outer boundaries of said membranes;
- a rigid central post member positioned for translation along said axis and connected to said membranes;
- a rigid hub member axially positioned and adjacent and coaxial with a first end of said central post member, including bearing means positioned to apply axial force to said first end of said central post member;
- a third membrane attached at its inner boundary to said hub member and, in its undeflected condition, extending radially from said hub member;
- a second rim member including axially-directed flexible members on the edge thereof attached to said first rigid rim member and a rigid portion attached to the outer boundary of said third membrane;
- a pair of piezoelectric wafers positioned and attached to opposite surfaces of said third membrane;
- means for applying control voltage to said piezoelectric wafers;
- and
- a mirror positioned on the second end of said central post member with its reflecting surface directed away from said flexible member.
7 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.