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Two-dimensional optical scanner

  • US 5,579,148 A
  • Filed: 11/28/1994
  • Issued: 11/26/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 11/29/1993
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A two-dimensional optical scanner comprising:

  • a mirror section including at least one reflective surface for reflecting light;

    a first retainer being a rigid body provided with a first given clearance around said mirror section;

    a first torsional vibrating member connecting said mirror section and said first retainer, said first torsional vibrating member being formed of an elastic material so as to torsionally rotate in a first direction when affected by a first specific cyclical external force and to generate rotational torque in a second direction reverse to said first direction, said first torsional vibrating member forcibly oscillating said mirror section about a first center axis passing through a first center of gravity of said mirror section;

    a second retainer formed of a rigid body provided with a second given clearance around said first retainer;

    a second torsional vibrating member connecting said first retainer and said second retainer, said second torsional vibrating member being made of an elastic material so that it torsionally rotates in a third direction when affected by a second specific cyclical external force and generates rotational torque in a fourth direction reverse to said third direction, said second torsional vibrating member forcibly oscillating said mirror section through said first retainer about a second axis passing through a second center of gravity of said mirror section and said first retainer, said second axis crossing said first axis;

    a third torsional vibrating member connected to said second retainer and oscillating about a third axis crossing said first axis and said second axis when affected by a third specific cyclical external force; and

    an electrically operated oscillating means for imparting said third specific external force to said third torsional vibrating member, said third specific external force causing said first specific cyclical external force and said second specific cyclical external force.

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