Attachment device

A device for attaching an optical element to a structure, comprising:

• a base;
• a first plurality of holding elements coupled to the base including a first holding element of a first length and a second holding element of a second length shorter than the first length, wherein the first holding element is constructed and arranged to flexibly engage a top surface of the optical element and the second holding element is constructed and arranged to flexibly engage a first side surface of the optical element when the device is engaged with the optical element;
• and
• a second plurality of holding elements including a plurality of opposing holding elements constructed and arranged to rigidly engage opposing second and third side surfaces of the part;
• wherein the base and holding elements are formed of a single piece of flexible material having a substantially flat surface, and wherein two or more holding elements of the first plurality of holding elements exert forces on at least one surface of the optical element due, at least in part, to their deformation from the substantially flat surface when the device is engaged with the optical element.

A scanner, comprising:

• an optical element;
• a support structure;
• and
• a device constructed and arranged to attach the optical element to the support structure, comprising
• (a) a base having at least one securing element adapted and constructed to secure the device to the support structure,
• (b) a first plurality of holding elements coupled to the base including a first holding element of a first length and a second holding element of a second length shorter than the first length, wherein the first holding element is constructed and arranged to flexibly engage a top surface of the optical element and the second holding element is constructed and arranged to flexibly engage a first side surface of the optical element, and
• (c) a second plurality of holding elements including a plurality of opposing holding elements constructed and arranged to rigidly engage opposing second and third side surfaces of the optical element;
• wherein the base and first and second pluralities of holding elements are formed of a single piece of flexible material having a substantially flat surface, and wherein two or more opposing holding elements of the first plurality of holding elements exert forces on at least one surface of the optical element due, at least in part, to their deformation from the substantially flat surface when the device is engaged with the optical element.

A device for holding an optical element in a semi-rigid manner, comprising:

• a base;
• a first plurality of deformable elements of a first length;
• and
• a second plurality of deformable elements of a second length shorter than the first length, wherein the deformable elements are coupled to the base so as to wholly or partially surround the optical element and retain it by applying axial and lateral forces;
• wherein the base and deformable elements are formed from a single piece of material.

A scanner, comprising:

• a support structure;
• an optical element;
• and
• a device for attaching the optical element to the support structure in a semi-rigid manner, comprising a b se;
• a first plurality of deformable elements of a first length;
• and a second plurality of deformable elements of a second length shorter than the first length;
• wherein the deformable elements are coupled to the base so as to wholly or partially surround the optical element and retain it by applying axial and lateral forces, wherein the base and deformable elements are formed from a single piece of material.