Scan element for use in scanning light and method of making the same
First Claim
1. A scan element for use in scanning light from a light source, said scan element comprising:
- (a) a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an energizable electromagnetic wire coil, said bobbin including a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said bobbin;
(b) an elastomeric support having first and second ends, wherein said first end is coupled to the flange of said bobbin;
(c) a permanent magnet having a central axis and a magnetization direction, wherein said permanent magnet is embedded within said elastomeric support adjacent to the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said permanent magnet is generally coaxial with the central axis of said bobbin, and wherein the magnetization direction of said permanent magnet is oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said permanent magnet;
(d) a mirror having a central axis and being mounted on the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said mirror is generally coaxial with the central axes of said bobbin and said permanent magnet,wherein said elastomeric support provides a return force when said permanent magnet and said mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis of said bobbin during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A scan element includes a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an electromagnetic wire coil and having a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis. At least one elastomeric support has a first end coupled to the flange. A permanent magnet has first and second surfaces, a central axis, and a magnetization direction oriented generally transverse to the central axis of the permanent magnet. The magnet is supported by a second end of the elastomeric support. A mirror has a central axis and is mounted on the second surface of the magnet. The central axes of the mirror and magnet are coaxial with the central axis of the bobbin. The elastomeric support provides a return force when the magnet and the mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil.
146 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A scan element for use in scanning light from a light source, said scan element comprising:
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(a) a bobbin having a central axis about which is wound an energizable electromagnetic wire coil, said bobbin including a flange oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said bobbin; (b) an elastomeric support having first and second ends, wherein said first end is coupled to the flange of said bobbin; (c) a permanent magnet having a central axis and a magnetization direction, wherein said permanent magnet is embedded within said elastomeric support adjacent to the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said permanent magnet is generally coaxial with the central axis of said bobbin, and wherein the magnetization direction of said permanent magnet is oriented generally transverse to the central axis of said permanent magnet; (d) a mirror having a central axis and being mounted on the second end of said elastomeric support, wherein the central axis of said mirror is generally coaxial with the central axes of said bobbin and said permanent magnet, wherein said elastomeric support provides a return force when said permanent magnet and said mirror are rotated at an angle from the central axis of said bobbin during energization of the electromagnetic wire coil. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of forming a scan element, said method comprising:
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(a) providing a bobbin having a flange, said flange having a generally flat surface; (b) forming an elastomeric support having first and second ends, wherein said first end is coupled to the surface of said flange; (c) embedding a magnet within said elastomeric support adjacent said second end; and (d) mounting a mirror to the second end of said elastomeric support. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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Specification