Tilt-in-place alignment system and method
First Claim
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1. A component mounting system comprising:
- a) a ball to be fixed to a component to be aligned, the ball and component together forming a ball-and-component assembly;
b) a socket into which the ball is placed; and
c) a collar to be mounted to the socket, whereby the socket and collar capture the ball between them, the collar having springs welded to the ball.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a mounting system and method in which symmetrical springs are used about a collar in a gimbal system to capture an assembly of a ball and an optical or other type of component. Once captured within the mounting system, the ball/component assembly can pivot until an optimal alignment is reached. Once the optimal alignment is reached, the ball/component assembly is fixed using laser welding.
16 Citations
26 Claims
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1. A component mounting system comprising:
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a) a ball to be fixed to a component to be aligned, the ball and component together forming a ball-and-component assembly;
b) a socket into which the ball is placed; and
c) a collar to be mounted to the socket, whereby the socket and collar capture the ball between them, the collar having springs welded to the ball. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A component mounting system comprising:
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a) a ball to be fixed to a component to be aligned, the ball and component together forming a ball-and-component assembly;
b) a socket into which the ball may be placed, the socket comprising ball bearings about the socket'"'"'s interior in contact with the ball; and
c) a collar to be mounted to the socket, the collar also having an opening therein, whereby the socket and collar capture the ball, the collar also having springs that are located about the opening wherein the springs are adapted to make contact with the ball. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method for aligning an optical component, the method comprising:
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a) affixing the optical component to a ball;
b) placing the ball into a socket;
c) fastening a collar having an opening to the socket, capturing the ball within the collar/socket assembly, the collar having at least three springs that are mechanically biased symmetrically around and against the ball;
d) pivoting the ball into position; and
e) affixing the springs to the ball, thereby fixing the pivotal alignment of the ball relative to the collar/socket assembly. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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Specification