CA1114354A - Precision travelling optical table assembly - Google Patents
Precision travelling optical table assemblyInfo
- Publication number
- CA1114354A CA1114354A CA304,534A CA304534A CA1114354A CA 1114354 A CA1114354 A CA 1114354A CA 304534 A CA304534 A CA 304534A CA 1114354 A CA1114354 A CA 1114354A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- rails
- optical table
- pair
- carriage means
- evener
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 41
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 210000003141 lower extremity Anatomy 0.000 claims 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000003351 stiffener Substances 0.000 description 12
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003754 machining Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003014 reinforcing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
- G01M11/02—Testing optical properties
- G01M11/04—Optical benches therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/04—Means for attachment of apparatus; Means allowing adjustment of the apparatus relatively to the stand
- F16M11/043—Allowing translations
- F16M11/045—Allowing translations adapted to left-right translation movement
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16M—FRAMES, CASINGS OR BEDS OF ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS, NOT SPECIFIC TO ENGINES, MACHINES OR APPARATUS PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE; STANDS; SUPPORTS
- F16M11/00—Stands or trestles as supports for apparatus or articles placed thereon ; Stands for scientific apparatus such as gravitational force meters
- F16M11/02—Heads
- F16M11/18—Heads with mechanism for moving the apparatus relatively to the stand
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Details Of Measuring And Other Instruments (AREA)
- Mounting And Adjusting Of Optical Elements (AREA)
- Optical Systems Of Projection Type Copiers (AREA)
- Exposure And Positioning Against Photoresist Photosensitive Materials (AREA)
- Facsimile Scanning Arrangements (AREA)
Abstract
TO ALL WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
BE IT KNOWN that WE, STEVEN K. HARBAUGH, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the City of Anaheim, County of Orange, State of California, and FRANK R. MITCHELL, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the City of South Pasadena, County of Los Angeles, State of California, respectively, have invented certain new and useful improvements in PRECISION TRAVELING OPTICAL TABLE ASSEMBLY
of which the following is the specification.
Abstract of the Disclosure Precision traveling optical table assembly having a rigid support framework and a rigid rectangular frame-work. The rigid rectangular framework is supported at three locations upon the rigid support framework. The rectangular framework includes a pair of spaced parallel rails. An optical table is provided. Carriages are mounted upon the pair of rails for longitudinal movement relative to the rails. The optical table is supported at only three locations from the carriages. A drive mech-anism is connected between the carriages and the rec-tangular framework for causing relative movement between the optical table and the rectangular framework. At least one optical element is carried by the optical table.
BE IT KNOWN that WE, STEVEN K. HARBAUGH, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the City of Anaheim, County of Orange, State of California, and FRANK R. MITCHELL, a citizen of the United States of America, residing in the City of South Pasadena, County of Los Angeles, State of California, respectively, have invented certain new and useful improvements in PRECISION TRAVELING OPTICAL TABLE ASSEMBLY
of which the following is the specification.
Abstract of the Disclosure Precision traveling optical table assembly having a rigid support framework and a rigid rectangular frame-work. The rigid rectangular framework is supported at three locations upon the rigid support framework. The rectangular framework includes a pair of spaced parallel rails. An optical table is provided. Carriages are mounted upon the pair of rails for longitudinal movement relative to the rails. The optical table is supported at only three locations from the carriages. A drive mech-anism is connected between the carriages and the rec-tangular framework for causing relative movement between the optical table and the rectangular framework. At least one optical element is carried by the optical table.
Description
3~
Background oE the Invention Traveling optical tables have heretofore been provided. However, they have been subject to a number of disadvantages, as, for example, they have had a tendency to droop in various positions which would cause distor-tion of the optical images. In additlon, they have been subject to vibration during operation. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved optical table assembly.
Summary of the Invention The invention provides in a precision optical table assembly, a rigid rectangular framework, said rigid rectangular framework including a pair of spaced parallel rails, an optical table, carriage means mounted on ~; one side of said table and engaging one of said pair of rails to inhibit lateral movement of the table with respect to said one rsil while permitting longitudinal movement of the table with respect to the pair of rails and additional carriage means carried by the other side of the table and solely engaging the top surface of the other rail of said pair of rails to permit lateral movement of the additional carriage means with respect to said other rail while permitting movement of the table longitudinally of the pair of rails, and drive means connected between the rectangular framework and the table for causing relative longitudinal movement between the table and the rectangular framework.
The precision tra.veling optical table assembly hereinafter dis-closed is not sub~ect to drooping or distortion, and is free of vibration during movement. The table can merely be lifted off of the supporting frame-work and will operate satisfactorily even when the support rails for the optical table are not perfectly parallel. A three point mounting is utilized for supporting the optical table.
,,~ ~Z~
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Additional features of the invention will appear from the follow-ing description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Descriptlon of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a traveling optical table assembly incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the optical table assembly mounted upon a support framework.
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 4-4 oE
Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of one of the carriages taken along the lines ~-5 of Figure ~
Figure 6 is a partial side elevational view looking along the line 6-6 in Figure 2 and showing the connections between the optical table and the rectangular framework.
, '`"~ , Descrlption of the Pre~erred Embodiments The precision traveling optical table assembly 11 which is sho~n in the drawings is mounted upon a rigid suppor~ framework 12. The support frame~70rk 12 includes a pair of parallel U-shaped channel me~ers 13 which extend lonyitudinally of the optical table assembly 11. The support framework 12 noramlly rests upon the floor and has dimensions of approximately 10 feeb by 5 feet and is ap-proximately 3 feet in height.
The optical table assembly 11 includes a rigid rectangular framework 16. The rectangular framework 16 consists of a pair of precision centerless ground cylind-rical rods or ~ails 17 which are spaced apart and are ` generally parallel. Elongate stiffeners 18 with machined straight surfaces are provided for stiffening the rods 17 and are secured to the rods at spaced apart points by cap screws 19 (see Figure 2). Additional elongate stiffeners 20 are provided which are secured to the stiffeners 18 at two spaced apart points by cap screws 21. A spacer 22 is provided between each of the stiffeners 18 and 20 for each cap screw 21. The cap screws 21 are accessible through holes 23 provided in the stiffeners 20. The stiffeners 20 are secured to the stiffeners 18 at only two points so that the long stiffeners 18 will not be bowed by the shorter stiffeners 20.
The ends of the rods or tails 17 are fastened together by tie bars 24 and 25. The tie bars 24 and 25 / are provided with holes 26 for receiving the ends of the rods. A slot 27 is provided for each of the holes ~6 in the tie bars 24 and 25 and extends through the top side ~:
, -4- -of the tie bar and extends into the hole tangentially of the hole. The slot 27 is provided so that the ends of the tie bars 24 and 25 can be inserted into the holes 26 and then can ~e clamped in position by screws (not shown) extending through the slo-ts 27 and clamping the ends of the rod 17 into the tie bars 24 and 25. Reinforcing gussets 30 are secured between the tle bar 24 and the stiffeners 18. From the construction of the rectangular ~`
framework 16 hereinbefore described, it can be seen that a rigid framework is provided.
Means is provided for supporting the rectangular ~.ramework 16 upon the support framework 12 to provide a ; plane for the travel of an optical table 28. A three point mounting is provided for this purpose and con~
sists of three small blocks or plates 31 which serve as feet for the rectangular frame~,lork, as can be seen from . Figure 1. One of the blocks or feet 31 unaerlies the tie . bar 24 and is positioned midway between the ends of the tie bar 24 and rests upon the support framework 12. The two ~`
other blocks or feet 31 are provided on opposite sides of ;~ the rectangular framework l\S and underlie the two stiffeners 20 at points which are spaced a substantial distance beyond the mid points of the rods 17 with respect to the foot 31 underlying the tie bar 24 so as to provide a maximum supFort for the rectangular framework 16. Aththe same time, full travel of the table 28 is provided as hereinafter de-scribed with only three supports for the rectangular ,7 framework 16. The two feet 31 underlying the stiffeners 20 are supported upon the channel members 13. With this manner of support it can be seen that a portion of the _5_ .
rectangular framework 16 is cantilevered over the ends of the feet or hlocks 31. However, it can be seen that the , portion of the rectangular framework 16 ~hich is cantilevered ; is relatively small in proportion to the remaining portion of the rectangular framework so that adequate structural support is provided for the rectangular framework 16.
From the construction of the rectangular framework hereinbefore described, it can be seen that the rectangular - framewor]c can be readily assembled and that as soon as it is assembled because of the prior precision machining of the parts, a rectangular framework is provicled in which the centerless ground rods 17 are essentially spaced apart and parallel. No other alignment is necessary.
; The optical table 28 is provided with an upper planar surface 29. The table 28 is constructed of a material.
so that it is very rigid. For example, it can be con-; structed of honeycomb to give the desired rigidity. By way of example, a typical optical table could have a thickness of approximately 2-1/2 inches and could have a length of approximately 3 feet and a wldth of 2 feet. Means is pro-vided for supporting this optical table at three points upon the rectangular framework 16. For this purpose a pair of carriages 36 are provided which are mounted upon one of the rods 17 to permit relative movement between the " 25 carriayes 36 and the rod 17 axially of the rod or rail 17 but noG transverse of the rod 17.
Each of the carriages 36 consists of a carriage block 37 which is secured to one side of the table 28 by cap screws 38 extending through a doubler plate 39 provided on the bottom of the table (see Figure 2). ~ach carriage ;
!
block 37 is provided with an arcuate recess 41 ~1hich is formed to accommodate the rod 17. First and second cylindrical wells 42 and 43 are provided in the carriage block 37 which are formed -to receive rollers ~4. The rollers 44 are adapted-to rest upon the rod 17 as shown in Figure 2. The rollers are formed of a material which - is softer than the material of which the rod 17 is formed so that any wear will be taken by the rollers rather than by the rod. Thus it can be appre¢iated that the rollers, when worn, can be replaced. For example, the rod 17 and the rollers 44 can be formed of stainless steel. The rollers 4~ are mounted by ball bearing assemblies ~6 upon shafts 47 which are mounted by a press fit into holes ~8 ancl 49 provided in the carriage block 37. The holes 48 and 49 are formed in the block 37 so that they extend at approximately 60 angles or for a total of 12~ angles ; between the same. With the construction of the carriage hereinbefore described it can be seen that the two rollers 44 provided on each of the carriage bloc]cs re-engage the rod on surfaces which are spaced approximatel~ 120 apart.
The two carriages 36 are provided adjacent the opposite ends of the table 28 and thus provide two of the points for supporting or suspending the table 28.
The third support for the three point mounting for the table 28 is provided through a mounting block 51 which is secured to the side o~ the table 28 opposite the car-riages 36 mid-point between the ends of the table and the / carriages 36 and is secured to the table b~ cap screws 52 extending through a doubler plate 53. A shaft 54 is mounted in a hole 56 provided in the block Sl and extends in a v ~-~
ger~erally hori.zontal clirection parallel to the surface 29 of the plate 2B. The shaEt 54 seats in an oversized hol~i.
55 whicll is generally V-shaped at the bottom ~see Fiyure 6).
The oversized hole 55 is provi.ded in an evener 57 which is in the form oE an elongate bar. A roller trunion 58 is mounted on each end of the evener 57 and ls secured thereto by cap screws 60 (see Figure 5). A slot 59 is provided in the outside portion of the trunion 58. A
roller 61 formed of the same material as the rollers 44 is disposed in the slot 59 and is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 62 mounted in the trunion 58. It can be seen that the evener 57 is of such a length that the rollers 61 engage the other rod 17 in the vicinity of the opposité
ends of the table 28.
., 15 A dampening mechanism 66 is provided at each end of the evener 57 and consists of a bracket 67 which is ~:
secured to the table 28 by cap screws 68 extending through a doubler plate 69 (see Figure 3), A flat washer 71 is c:arried by the bracket 67 and frictionally engages the surface of the trunion 58. The washer 71 is held in place by a shoulder screw 72 that extend.s through a large over~
sized hole 70 provided in the trunion 58 and which exkends through the washer 71 and is threaded i.nto the bracket 67 with its shoulder 73 engaging the bracket. The shoulder screw 72 carries the cur~ed spring washer 74 which is engaged by the head of the shoulder screw and applies a yieldable frictional froce between the trunion 58 and the washer 71, -~ A drive mechanism 76 is connected between the rectangular frame and the platc 28 for causing relat.ive :
3~
movement bet~een the rectangular framework 16 and the plate 28. Thls drive mechanism 76 conslsts oE a transfer block 77 which is secured to the table 28 by cap screws (not shown) in the same manner that the carriage blocks 36 are secured to the table~ The transfer block is provided with an arcuate recess 78 for receiving the rod 17 underlying the same. The transfer block 77 is secured to a plate 79 by cap screws (not shown). The drive mechanism 76 is described in more detail in United States Patent 4,131,029 issued December 26, 1979. It includes a drive motor 80, a tachometer 81, a shaft encoder 82, a bearing housing 83, and a ball nut housing 84 all of which are provided for driving a long lead screw 86 which has its remote end mounted in a bearing bracket 88 secured to the stiffner 20. The bearing housing 83 is carried by a bracket 89 also secured to the stiffner 20. The lead screw 86 has suitable threads thereon as, for example, to provide one inch of movement longitudinally or axially of the screw for every five revolutions of the lead screw.
The table 28 can carry any number of plurality of optical elements such as optical elements described in copending Canadian application, Serial Number 304,782 filed June 5, 1978, as described therein. The optical elements can include a mirror for receiving a laser beam and directing it upwardly through a hole (not shown) in the table 28 to a scanning assembly consisting oE a rotating pyramid mirror 91 and then through two roof mirrors 92 and 93 and then to a dichro~c mirror (not shown) which can reflect light back on~o a turning mirror to exit the light beam through a hole (not shown) in the table.
By way of example, such a system ;
.~
i -can be utilized for scanning any black/whi~e light input copy and reproduce the sa~e image on any photo~sensitive material utilizing a laser beam. During the scanning operation the table is advanced at a precision rate to travel the length of the rectangular framework and then to return.
From the foregoing it can be seen that there has been provided a precision traveling optical table assembly which may have numerous applications. As pointed out previously, the table itself is very stiff and is sup ported on the rails or rods 17 at three points. The two carriages 36 support one endge of the table verticallY and they also provicle alignment along the direction of movement by virtue of the fact that each of the carriages is provided with two pairs of rollers which engage spaced apart sur-faces on the rod to res.rain transverse movement of the table with respect to the rod 17 while at the same time permitting movement longitudinally of the rod. Even though the table 28 is only supported at one point on its other side opposite the side on which the carriages 36 are pro-vided, the table in effect is supported at the four corners by the provision o~ the evener bar 57 carrying the trunions , 58 and the rollers 61 which travel on the top of the other ` of the rails or rods 17. The dampening mechanism 66 pro-vided at each end of the table and associated with the trunions 58 serve to stabilize thetable to in effect provlde a four point support for the table insofar as vibration and weight are concerned but still providing only three supports for the table itself.
It can be seen that the support for the table is ; .
.
,;
:
provi~ed in such a manner so that even thouyll the rails or rods 17 are not perfectly parallel, the rollers 61 would take care of any misalignment because they ride on top of the rail or rod 17. Yet by the use of the damp-ening mechanism, the weight of the table 28 is supported atthe Eour corners of the table. It also can be seen that - from the construction of the table and in the m~nner in which it is mounted upon the rai~s 17, the table 28 with the carriages 36 and the mounting bloc~ 51 and the asso-ciated evener 57 can be lifted from the rectangular frameworX16 merely by disconnecting the cap screws from the transfer plate 79. With the construction shown it can be seen that alignment is only provided from one side to form one of the rails or rods 17 and that the other side is merely lS resting on the other rod or rail 17.
It should be appreciated that there also has been ~` provided a three point mounti~ for the rectangular frame-wor~ of which the rods 17 form a part. Because of this ~- construction, considerable misalignment can be tolerated by the various parts while still providing a precision traveling optical table assembly which will operate satis-factorily. The construction as shown can accommodate misalignment of the parallel rods 17 in either a hori~
zontal plane or a vertical plane. In addition to these advantages, the precision traveling optical table assembly is relatively simple in construction and can be readily disassembled and assembled.
, :;
: .
, - -11-
Background oE the Invention Traveling optical tables have heretofore been provided. However, they have been subject to a number of disadvantages, as, for example, they have had a tendency to droop in various positions which would cause distor-tion of the optical images. In additlon, they have been subject to vibration during operation. There is, therefore, a need for a new and improved optical table assembly.
Summary of the Invention The invention provides in a precision optical table assembly, a rigid rectangular framework, said rigid rectangular framework including a pair of spaced parallel rails, an optical table, carriage means mounted on ~; one side of said table and engaging one of said pair of rails to inhibit lateral movement of the table with respect to said one rsil while permitting longitudinal movement of the table with respect to the pair of rails and additional carriage means carried by the other side of the table and solely engaging the top surface of the other rail of said pair of rails to permit lateral movement of the additional carriage means with respect to said other rail while permitting movement of the table longitudinally of the pair of rails, and drive means connected between the rectangular framework and the table for causing relative longitudinal movement between the table and the rectangular framework.
The precision tra.veling optical table assembly hereinafter dis-closed is not sub~ect to drooping or distortion, and is free of vibration during movement. The table can merely be lifted off of the supporting frame-work and will operate satisfactorily even when the support rails for the optical table are not perfectly parallel. A three point mounting is utilized for supporting the optical table.
,,~ ~Z~
~ ~ ' .
Additional features of the invention will appear from the follow-ing description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Brief Descriptlon of the Drawings Figure 1 is an isometric view of a traveling optical table assembly incorporating the present invention.
Figure 2 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of Figure 1 showing the optical table assembly mounted upon a support framework.
Figure 3 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 4-4 oE
Figure 3.
Figure 5 is a partial side elevational view of a portion of one of the carriages taken along the lines ~-5 of Figure ~
Figure 6 is a partial side elevational view looking along the line 6-6 in Figure 2 and showing the connections between the optical table and the rectangular framework.
, '`"~ , Descrlption of the Pre~erred Embodiments The precision traveling optical table assembly 11 which is sho~n in the drawings is mounted upon a rigid suppor~ framework 12. The support frame~70rk 12 includes a pair of parallel U-shaped channel me~ers 13 which extend lonyitudinally of the optical table assembly 11. The support framework 12 noramlly rests upon the floor and has dimensions of approximately 10 feeb by 5 feet and is ap-proximately 3 feet in height.
The optical table assembly 11 includes a rigid rectangular framework 16. The rectangular framework 16 consists of a pair of precision centerless ground cylind-rical rods or ~ails 17 which are spaced apart and are ` generally parallel. Elongate stiffeners 18 with machined straight surfaces are provided for stiffening the rods 17 and are secured to the rods at spaced apart points by cap screws 19 (see Figure 2). Additional elongate stiffeners 20 are provided which are secured to the stiffeners 18 at two spaced apart points by cap screws 21. A spacer 22 is provided between each of the stiffeners 18 and 20 for each cap screw 21. The cap screws 21 are accessible through holes 23 provided in the stiffeners 20. The stiffeners 20 are secured to the stiffeners 18 at only two points so that the long stiffeners 18 will not be bowed by the shorter stiffeners 20.
The ends of the rods or tails 17 are fastened together by tie bars 24 and 25. The tie bars 24 and 25 / are provided with holes 26 for receiving the ends of the rods. A slot 27 is provided for each of the holes ~6 in the tie bars 24 and 25 and extends through the top side ~:
, -4- -of the tie bar and extends into the hole tangentially of the hole. The slot 27 is provided so that the ends of the tie bars 24 and 25 can be inserted into the holes 26 and then can ~e clamped in position by screws (not shown) extending through the slo-ts 27 and clamping the ends of the rod 17 into the tie bars 24 and 25. Reinforcing gussets 30 are secured between the tle bar 24 and the stiffeners 18. From the construction of the rectangular ~`
framework 16 hereinbefore described, it can be seen that a rigid framework is provided.
Means is provided for supporting the rectangular ~.ramework 16 upon the support framework 12 to provide a ; plane for the travel of an optical table 28. A three point mounting is provided for this purpose and con~
sists of three small blocks or plates 31 which serve as feet for the rectangular frame~,lork, as can be seen from . Figure 1. One of the blocks or feet 31 unaerlies the tie . bar 24 and is positioned midway between the ends of the tie bar 24 and rests upon the support framework 12. The two ~`
other blocks or feet 31 are provided on opposite sides of ;~ the rectangular framework l\S and underlie the two stiffeners 20 at points which are spaced a substantial distance beyond the mid points of the rods 17 with respect to the foot 31 underlying the tie bar 24 so as to provide a maximum supFort for the rectangular framework 16. Aththe same time, full travel of the table 28 is provided as hereinafter de-scribed with only three supports for the rectangular ,7 framework 16. The two feet 31 underlying the stiffeners 20 are supported upon the channel members 13. With this manner of support it can be seen that a portion of the _5_ .
rectangular framework 16 is cantilevered over the ends of the feet or hlocks 31. However, it can be seen that the , portion of the rectangular framework 16 ~hich is cantilevered ; is relatively small in proportion to the remaining portion of the rectangular framework so that adequate structural support is provided for the rectangular framework 16.
From the construction of the rectangular framework hereinbefore described, it can be seen that the rectangular - framewor]c can be readily assembled and that as soon as it is assembled because of the prior precision machining of the parts, a rectangular framework is provicled in which the centerless ground rods 17 are essentially spaced apart and parallel. No other alignment is necessary.
; The optical table 28 is provided with an upper planar surface 29. The table 28 is constructed of a material.
so that it is very rigid. For example, it can be con-; structed of honeycomb to give the desired rigidity. By way of example, a typical optical table could have a thickness of approximately 2-1/2 inches and could have a length of approximately 3 feet and a wldth of 2 feet. Means is pro-vided for supporting this optical table at three points upon the rectangular framework 16. For this purpose a pair of carriages 36 are provided which are mounted upon one of the rods 17 to permit relative movement between the " 25 carriayes 36 and the rod 17 axially of the rod or rail 17 but noG transverse of the rod 17.
Each of the carriages 36 consists of a carriage block 37 which is secured to one side of the table 28 by cap screws 38 extending through a doubler plate 39 provided on the bottom of the table (see Figure 2). ~ach carriage ;
!
block 37 is provided with an arcuate recess 41 ~1hich is formed to accommodate the rod 17. First and second cylindrical wells 42 and 43 are provided in the carriage block 37 which are formed -to receive rollers ~4. The rollers 44 are adapted-to rest upon the rod 17 as shown in Figure 2. The rollers are formed of a material which - is softer than the material of which the rod 17 is formed so that any wear will be taken by the rollers rather than by the rod. Thus it can be appre¢iated that the rollers, when worn, can be replaced. For example, the rod 17 and the rollers 44 can be formed of stainless steel. The rollers 4~ are mounted by ball bearing assemblies ~6 upon shafts 47 which are mounted by a press fit into holes ~8 ancl 49 provided in the carriage block 37. The holes 48 and 49 are formed in the block 37 so that they extend at approximately 60 angles or for a total of 12~ angles ; between the same. With the construction of the carriage hereinbefore described it can be seen that the two rollers 44 provided on each of the carriage bloc]cs re-engage the rod on surfaces which are spaced approximatel~ 120 apart.
The two carriages 36 are provided adjacent the opposite ends of the table 28 and thus provide two of the points for supporting or suspending the table 28.
The third support for the three point mounting for the table 28 is provided through a mounting block 51 which is secured to the side o~ the table 28 opposite the car-riages 36 mid-point between the ends of the table and the / carriages 36 and is secured to the table b~ cap screws 52 extending through a doubler plate 53. A shaft 54 is mounted in a hole 56 provided in the block Sl and extends in a v ~-~
ger~erally hori.zontal clirection parallel to the surface 29 of the plate 2B. The shaEt 54 seats in an oversized hol~i.
55 whicll is generally V-shaped at the bottom ~see Fiyure 6).
The oversized hole 55 is provi.ded in an evener 57 which is in the form oE an elongate bar. A roller trunion 58 is mounted on each end of the evener 57 and ls secured thereto by cap screws 60 (see Figure 5). A slot 59 is provided in the outside portion of the trunion 58. A
roller 61 formed of the same material as the rollers 44 is disposed in the slot 59 and is rotatably mounted upon a shaft 62 mounted in the trunion 58. It can be seen that the evener 57 is of such a length that the rollers 61 engage the other rod 17 in the vicinity of the opposité
ends of the table 28.
., 15 A dampening mechanism 66 is provided at each end of the evener 57 and consists of a bracket 67 which is ~:
secured to the table 28 by cap screws 68 extending through a doubler plate 69 (see Figure 3), A flat washer 71 is c:arried by the bracket 67 and frictionally engages the surface of the trunion 58. The washer 71 is held in place by a shoulder screw 72 that extend.s through a large over~
sized hole 70 provided in the trunion 58 and which exkends through the washer 71 and is threaded i.nto the bracket 67 with its shoulder 73 engaging the bracket. The shoulder screw 72 carries the cur~ed spring washer 74 which is engaged by the head of the shoulder screw and applies a yieldable frictional froce between the trunion 58 and the washer 71, -~ A drive mechanism 76 is connected between the rectangular frame and the platc 28 for causing relat.ive :
3~
movement bet~een the rectangular framework 16 and the plate 28. Thls drive mechanism 76 conslsts oE a transfer block 77 which is secured to the table 28 by cap screws (not shown) in the same manner that the carriage blocks 36 are secured to the table~ The transfer block is provided with an arcuate recess 78 for receiving the rod 17 underlying the same. The transfer block 77 is secured to a plate 79 by cap screws (not shown). The drive mechanism 76 is described in more detail in United States Patent 4,131,029 issued December 26, 1979. It includes a drive motor 80, a tachometer 81, a shaft encoder 82, a bearing housing 83, and a ball nut housing 84 all of which are provided for driving a long lead screw 86 which has its remote end mounted in a bearing bracket 88 secured to the stiffner 20. The bearing housing 83 is carried by a bracket 89 also secured to the stiffner 20. The lead screw 86 has suitable threads thereon as, for example, to provide one inch of movement longitudinally or axially of the screw for every five revolutions of the lead screw.
The table 28 can carry any number of plurality of optical elements such as optical elements described in copending Canadian application, Serial Number 304,782 filed June 5, 1978, as described therein. The optical elements can include a mirror for receiving a laser beam and directing it upwardly through a hole (not shown) in the table 28 to a scanning assembly consisting oE a rotating pyramid mirror 91 and then through two roof mirrors 92 and 93 and then to a dichro~c mirror (not shown) which can reflect light back on~o a turning mirror to exit the light beam through a hole (not shown) in the table.
By way of example, such a system ;
.~
i -can be utilized for scanning any black/whi~e light input copy and reproduce the sa~e image on any photo~sensitive material utilizing a laser beam. During the scanning operation the table is advanced at a precision rate to travel the length of the rectangular framework and then to return.
From the foregoing it can be seen that there has been provided a precision traveling optical table assembly which may have numerous applications. As pointed out previously, the table itself is very stiff and is sup ported on the rails or rods 17 at three points. The two carriages 36 support one endge of the table verticallY and they also provicle alignment along the direction of movement by virtue of the fact that each of the carriages is provided with two pairs of rollers which engage spaced apart sur-faces on the rod to res.rain transverse movement of the table with respect to the rod 17 while at the same time permitting movement longitudinally of the rod. Even though the table 28 is only supported at one point on its other side opposite the side on which the carriages 36 are pro-vided, the table in effect is supported at the four corners by the provision o~ the evener bar 57 carrying the trunions , 58 and the rollers 61 which travel on the top of the other ` of the rails or rods 17. The dampening mechanism 66 pro-vided at each end of the table and associated with the trunions 58 serve to stabilize thetable to in effect provlde a four point support for the table insofar as vibration and weight are concerned but still providing only three supports for the table itself.
It can be seen that the support for the table is ; .
.
,;
:
provi~ed in such a manner so that even thouyll the rails or rods 17 are not perfectly parallel, the rollers 61 would take care of any misalignment because they ride on top of the rail or rod 17. Yet by the use of the damp-ening mechanism, the weight of the table 28 is supported atthe Eour corners of the table. It also can be seen that - from the construction of the table and in the m~nner in which it is mounted upon the rai~s 17, the table 28 with the carriages 36 and the mounting bloc~ 51 and the asso-ciated evener 57 can be lifted from the rectangular frameworX16 merely by disconnecting the cap screws from the transfer plate 79. With the construction shown it can be seen that alignment is only provided from one side to form one of the rails or rods 17 and that the other side is merely lS resting on the other rod or rail 17.
It should be appreciated that there also has been ~` provided a three point mounti~ for the rectangular frame-wor~ of which the rods 17 form a part. Because of this ~- construction, considerable misalignment can be tolerated by the various parts while still providing a precision traveling optical table assembly which will operate satis-factorily. The construction as shown can accommodate misalignment of the parallel rods 17 in either a hori~
zontal plane or a vertical plane. In addition to these advantages, the precision traveling optical table assembly is relatively simple in construction and can be readily disassembled and assembled.
, :;
: .
, - -11-
Claims (8)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a precision optical table assembly, a rigid rectangular framework, said rigid rectangular framework including a pair of spaced parallel rails, an optical table, carriage means mounted on one side of said table and engaging one of said pair of rails to inhibit lateral movement of the table with respect to said one rail while permitting longitudinal movement of the table with respect to the pair of rails and additional carriage means carried by the other side of the table and solely engaging the top surface of the other rail of said pair of rails to permit lateral movement of the additional carriage means with respect to said other rail while permitting movement of the table longitudinally of the pair of rails, and drive means connected between the rectangular framework and the table for causing relative longitudinal movement between the table and the rectangular framework.
2. An optical table assembly as in Claim 1 wherein said rails are in the form of cylindrical rods and wherein said carriage means mounted on one side include rollers which engage said one rod at points which are spaced apart circumferentially.
3. An optical table assembly as in Claim 1 wherein said additional carriage means includes an evener, means for forming a connection with the mid-point of the evener and the mid-point of the table along one edge of the table and rollers carried by the ends of the evener engaging the top surface of the other rail.
4. An optical table assembly as in Claim 3 wherein said means for forming a connection between the evener and the table includes a bracket secured to the table and a shaft secured to the bracket, said evener having an oversized hole therein, said shaft being seated in said hole.
5. An optical table assembly as in Claim 4 wherein the lower extremity of said hole in said evener is substantially V-shaped.
6. An optical table assembly as in Claim 5 together with a dampening mechanism secured to the evener and to opposite ends of the table on the same side of the table as the additional carriage means is provided for supporting the weight of the table along two points while providing suspension of that side of the table at one point.
7. An optical table assembly as in Claim 1 together with means for mounting said rectangular framework including supports at only three locations engaging said rectangular framework.
8. A precision optical table assembly as in Claim 1 wherein said carriage means rests on said pair of rails solely by force of gravity and wherein said rails and said carriage means are constructed so that said carriage means is free for vertical movement upwardly away from the rails so that the carriage means can be lifted off of the rails and can be placed on the rails.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US80543377A | 1977-06-10 | 1977-06-10 | |
| US805,433 | 1977-06-10 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1114354A true CA1114354A (en) | 1981-12-15 |
Family
ID=25191564
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA304,534A Expired CA1114354A (en) | 1977-06-10 | 1978-05-31 | Precision travelling optical table assembly |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS549949A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU3695078A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1114354A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2825566C3 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2394099A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2000308B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT7824404A0 (en) |
| NL (1) | NL7806304A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7806717L (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015075078A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Braga Carlo | Surgical gauze |
| WO2019158531A1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | B-Res Di Braga Ing. Giuseppe E C. Sas | Surgical gauze |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2306685A (en) * | 1995-11-01 | 1997-05-07 | Eastman Kodak Co | Printer guide mechanism |
| CN104390108A (en) * | 2014-11-21 | 2015-03-04 | 三一重型装备有限公司 | Coal mining machine rocker arm test supporting device |
| CN106392932B (en) * | 2016-08-23 | 2018-02-16 | 中国科学院自动化研究所 | A kind of optical element clamping device and method |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3377111A (en) * | 1966-02-15 | 1968-04-09 | Optomechanisms Inc | Precision coordinate axes table means |
| DE1797639C3 (en) * | 1966-12-10 | 1980-06-19 | Canon K.K., Tokio | Air flow in a copier working with progressive, strip-wise projection |
| JPS4948136B1 (en) * | 1970-10-14 | 1974-12-19 | ||
| US3832057A (en) * | 1972-06-02 | 1974-08-27 | Xerox Corp | Scanning apparatus |
| JPS573067B2 (en) * | 1973-01-27 | 1982-01-20 | ||
| GB1403177A (en) * | 1973-03-30 | 1975-08-28 | Xerox Corp | Dashpots |
| DE2326024C2 (en) * | 1973-05-22 | 1985-02-07 | Günter O. 7421 Mehrstetten Stumpf | Device for cutting sheets, foils or the like |
| JPS5060235A (en) * | 1973-09-27 | 1975-05-24 | ||
| JPS5221825A (en) * | 1975-08-13 | 1977-02-18 | Katsuragawa Denki Kk | Micro-film support means for the micro printer |
-
1978
- 1978-05-31 CA CA304,534A patent/CA1114354A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-08 AU AU36950/78A patent/AU3695078A/en active Pending
- 1978-06-09 SE SE7806717A patent/SE7806717L/en unknown
- 1978-06-09 JP JP6970578A patent/JPS549949A/en active Pending
- 1978-06-09 NL NL7806304A patent/NL7806304A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1978-06-09 IT IT7824404A patent/IT7824404A0/en unknown
- 1978-06-09 FR FR787817401A patent/FR2394099A1/en active Granted
- 1978-06-10 DE DE2825566A patent/DE2825566C3/en not_active Expired
- 1978-06-12 GB GB7826718A patent/GB2000308B/en not_active Expired
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2015075078A1 (en) | 2013-11-22 | 2015-05-28 | Braga Carlo | Surgical gauze |
| WO2019158531A1 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2019-08-22 | B-Res Di Braga Ing. Giuseppe E C. Sas | Surgical gauze |
| US11666491B2 (en) | 2018-02-13 | 2023-06-06 | B-Res Di Braga Ing. Giuseppe E C. Sas | Surgical gauze |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| SE7806717L (en) | 1978-12-11 |
| FR2394099B1 (en) | 1980-10-31 |
| DE2825566C3 (en) | 1981-04-30 |
| DE2825566B2 (en) | 1980-09-18 |
| IT7824404A0 (en) | 1978-06-09 |
| DE2825566A1 (en) | 1978-12-14 |
| AU3695078A (en) | 1979-12-13 |
| NL7806304A (en) | 1978-12-12 |
| GB2000308A (en) | 1979-01-04 |
| FR2394099A1 (en) | 1979-01-05 |
| GB2000308B (en) | 1982-04-15 |
| JPS549949A (en) | 1979-01-25 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |